This date in MLS history: June 28

June 28, 4:44 PMMLS ExaminerCharlie Corr

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In 2003, current Philadelphia Union head coach and former Chicago Fire captain Peter Nowak became the first inductee into Chicago's "Ring of Fire." And exactly five years later, the Fire organization paid a different type of tribute to Fire supporters Dan Parry and Brandon Kitchens.

Polish-born midfielder Nowak played his entire Major League Soccer career with the Fire from 1998 to 2002, helping Chicago win the MLS Cup in its first season. Then, he delved into coaching starting with D.C. United in 2004, again winning an MLS Cup in his first season.

The Ring of Fire is a tribute to those in the Fire organization who have had some sort of success, whether on the field or off. Last year actually was the first time there was no entrant. That is because club chairman Andrew Hauptman ruled against the proposed induction of Kitchens and Parry. Instead, a plaque was unveiled on June 28, 2008, for the team's commemorative Wall of Honor.

Kitchens passed away in 2007 after suffering a seizure. He was only 23 and already made several tours of duty in Iraq. He was the visible presence from the podium, getting the most out of the Section 8 cheering section. Parry passed away in 2006 and was a loyal Fire supporter and volunteer, who notably put together a triage team in the Superdome's chaotic makeshift shelter during the devastating Hurricane Katrina. Parry was only 33 when he died in a car accident during the holiday season.

Perhaps the Ring and Wall make for a compromise to keep the Ring of Fire focused on players, coaches and staff members. But truthfully, Kitchens and Parry were more than deserving of joining the Ring and being a visible presence above Toyota Park's upper deck seating.

Their many passions and abrupt passing puts things into perspective.

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Charlie Corr is a freelance sports writer based in Chicago. In addition to his Major League Soccer duties, he is the Chicago Sports Examiner and the creator of a Chicago-based soccer Web site, SlideTackles.net.

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