I am writing in regards to the article about the Charlestown town council’s rejection of the sale of balloons and American flags at their Memorial Day parade.
Although they do have the right to refuse this, I do not see what the problem is. I, like most Americans, understand what Memorial Day represents. However, I do not understand how balloons and American flags sold at a parade would be considered disrespectful.
Even more confusing is the way Mr. Mageau has reacted. His quotes, “You’re not gonna be at the parade, I’ll tell you that right now,” and “If you think you’re gonna make a mockery of this parade you’re badly mistaken lady!” sound more like threats. They are talking about selling balloons and American flags, not anything illegal.
Every Memorial Day my family puts an American flag at my father’s and uncle’s graves. He, like all his brothers, was a veteran of World War II. Never in my life did I think that such an honorable, loving gesture was disrespectful or a mockery of everything he did for his country.
Noreen Boylan Westerly |
