Tom St. Pierre
Memorial Day Parade Organizer
Charlestown
To the attendees of Charlestown’s Memorial Day Parade,
As the parade organizer I apologize for my lapse in judgment with this year’s parade lineup. Memorial Day is arguably one of the most sacred days of the year for the active duty military and veterans of this great nation. Each year we strive to honor those who died in service while fighting the wars of our country.
This year I was contacted by a man from town who called on behalf of one of Charlestown’s political organizations that had several questions concerning Charlestown’s Memorial Day observances. First he wanted to know if they could march in the parade, to which I answered that all town organizations are welcome to march in the parade, but that we have one very strict rule, which is that the event is about honoring our war dead and that there were to be no political banners/signs of any kind. The only allowable banner is one identifying the group. He said that was fine. Instead they displayed a large political banner as they marched in their first — and last — Memorial Day parade here in town.
Again I feel I must apologize to the town for my misguided trust in local politicians. I thought here in rural New Hampshire we are better than that. I will ensure in the future that the hallowed ceremony of Memorial Day be observed with the proper reverence it deserves, and absolutely no politics!
Sincerely,
Tom St. Pierre
Memorial Day Parade Organizer
Charlestown
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