I'm betting 'hundreds of sexual advances' refers to some cat-calls along the parade route. Sigh.

I agree Snoodle - - why don't these guys just grow up and laugh it off? Plus, it is not as if all other jobs are perfect and there is nothing not to like or put up with.

My question is, why were they forced?

I can only guess, but most public jobs have a PR component- maybe the low seniority guys have to do the parades. I know at my govt job they ask for volunteers first - we had an outreach table at the State Fair. I'm sure if no one volunteered, there would be mandatory assignments.