Veterans For Peace
For Immediate Release
Two Veterans Groups Banned from the
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Veterans For Peace Are Out as Well
March 10, 2017
SOUTH BOSTON— There are two veterans organizations prohibited from marching in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade this year. One group because they dare to exhibit a tiny rainbow flag to identify who they are as individuals. The second group is being denied because they work for Peace and Peaceful resolution of conflict. Veterans For Peace have also been denied to walk in the parade on March 19.
Both Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh had wonderful things to say about veterans in yesterday’s news”, stated Pat Scanlon, Special Event Coordinator for the local chapter of Veterans For Peace. “Mayor Walsh stated, “I will not tolerate discrimination in our city” and the Governor had moving words to say about our veterans. To quote the governor as reported; "That word veteran, to me it approaches holy," Baker said. "And the idea that we would restrict the opportunity for men and women who put on that uniform knowing full well they could put themselves in harm's way, and deny them an opportunity to march in a parade that's about celebrating veterans, doesn't make any sense to me."
“What are we, chopped liver”, continued Scanlon. Veterans For Peace is a national veterans organization with over two hundred veterans in their local chapter for the Boston area. These are Veterans have fought in every war since WWII. Many of these Veterans have been in harms way defending this country, have seen the horrors of war first hand, are highly decorated and now work for peace. Yet, once again not allowed to march in this historical parade. Where is the outcry from our leaders about these veterans not being able to walk in this parade? It is as if Peace is a Dirty Word.
The application that was sent to the AWVC is attached – please read it and try to figure out why the members of the AWVC denied Veterans For Peace to participate.
“It is shameful”, stated Scanlon. “The City of Boston should take back this parade and truly make it inclusive for all, regardless if you are gay or work for peace”.
Attachments include:
Application for participation in Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Press Release
Picture of Veterans For Peace on West Broadway in 2016
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