These comments were at the Westerly Sun Website after the publication of a story about the Memorial Day parade. See our news page at http://www.charlestowncitizens.org/stories.html for the story.

Sheila wrote on May 18, 2008 4:34 PM:
" This is the great USA, so why take away a citizens rights to sell products in a parade - ie balloons. You should be voted off the committee ASAP. "

Frank wrote on May 15, 2008 12:18 PM:
" 1. Mr. Mageau clearly should have reclused himself from any vote on this issue. 2. I you're looking for a memorial service, hold one at a cemetary or statute. Don't hold a parade. 3. Flags have always been a symbol of respect for veterans and they always will be, despite the Councils' short-sighted actions. Balloons celebrate the good life that everyone enjoys as the result of the sacrifices that were made. They only enforce the respect that goes with the flag. 4. I'll pay my respects by not attending the parade and begin working on ways to rid the Council of those with self-serving agendas. "

Jennifer Dustin wrote on May 15, 2008 11:55 AM:
" I realize I wrote with such fervor that I wrote "falling Veterans" when it's "FALLEN". I wanted to clear this up before someone finds fault with my writing. Also thank you Bill for your post, well said!! "

Bill wrote on May 15, 2008 11:21 AM:
" The junk these type vendors sell is not worth buying anyway. $8.00 balloons, what a rip-off and it takes the attention of the kids away from the Parade. Do the town a favor and go some where else, Good riddings. "

Jennifer Dustin wrote on May 15, 2008 10:34 AM:
" In regards to "Flag of our fathers" who won't even put their real name, what an interesting take you have on how "plastic junk" is a young's patriot's dream? This really isn't making logical sense. Sounds like a very sappy take on a very serious subject. Veterans paid the price to be respected and VENDORS looking to make a fast buck takes the focus away from why your are there in the first place. Do they have VENDORS at ARLINGTON cemetery when they are honoring falling Veterans?This is just a common sense issue about showing some class for one day for those who deserve it. yes, flags should be waving that day but they can be bought ahead of time and for alot less then you would pay on the street! Also because 90% of "plastic junk" is made in China as stated has nothing to do with the need for reverance at the parade.Doesn't matter where the "plastic junk" comes from it still is a distraction from the VETERANS!!! Very much like CELL PHONES at concerts. Where are manners anmymore??? "

confused wrote on May 15, 2008 8:46 AM:
" again, some town council with nothing else to do but veto some guy trying to make a buck. Kids love balloons and anything to wave at, and yes, it is a time to remember the lives lost at war, but people opt to bring their family to these events, at least let the kids enjoy themselves. A child waving a balloon will not remove the purpose of the memorial day parade for gods sake. "

Grandma wrote on May 14, 2008 9:35 PM:
" Decoration Day was originated as a day for families to put flowers on the graves of their loved ones, veterans and family members. If Mr. Mageau wants to be so serious, perhaps he should revert to the original idea, go to the cemetery and put flowers on his family's graves. Let someone else manage the parade. "

Mr. Magoo wrote on May 14, 2008 9:27 PM:
" Another fine moment for Charlestown! Perhaps Someone should call the Ethics Commission to outline the fact that James Mageau heads the Charlestown Memorial Day Committee. Therefore he should have recuse himself from any Council Vote, this is a conflict of interest Plain and simple. While it may not be earth shattering it is what it is, This man using his position on the Town Council to assure a outcome that he wants for the interest of his other committee. The Ethics Commission may or may not take this complaint seriously. For one If the Town of Charlestown have ever issued a peddlers permit in the past for a parade, that would be a good indicator of wrong doing. Because the decision involved ones equal right to do business, a complaint might be warranted. Either Way it turned out to be another night at the freak show at the Charlestown town hall. By the way whats up with the guy next to Mageau, did he loose the remote with the mute button on? or perhaps he and Mageau where separated at birth, I can't tell. Im just amazing that the man has no opinion.
Complain here
http://www.ethics.ri.gov/
"

Bert wrote on May 14, 2008 8:34 PM:
" Next thing you know, the American Legion won't be allowed to sell the little red poppy's. You Charlestown folk are unbelievable. "

Disbelief wrote on May 14, 2008 7:07 PM:
" I'm sorry that waving the American flag and red,white, and blue baloons offends certain members of the People's Republic of Charlestown. Dictionary.com states a parade is a "large public procession, usually including a marching band and often of a festive nature, held in honor of an anniversary, person, event, etc".
If waving the flag and balloons are offensive, why bother having a parade since parades are usually of a "festive nature". Why not have a memorial service at a funeral home or a church? "

Flags of our Fathers wrote on May 14, 2008 6:10 PM:
" Is this the country that so many died for? I feel like I am in Russia reading these post. Freedom period, comes without condition. If I remember correctly we started this country with a simple idea...
Life, Liberty and the persuit of happiness. Its seems that people have there own idea of what makes them happy, but what makes YOU happy is not going to necessary make someone else happy. This Is why this country is falling apart! People need to Stop Pushing their views and beliefs on to others. As Jennifer stated "Balloons indicate a celebration" Well to many yes it does but to others it may mean something else. Also Jennifer stated that "Memorial Day parade is not a place to make a profit off plastic junk" Well that statement would ring true in communist China, but here in America where 90% of our plastic junk comes from China "Ironic Enough" There is no better place to sell a Flag or a Balloon than at a Memorial Day Parade. One persons "plastic junk" may be one young patriots dream. Freedom is something that does come at a cost, Many Veterans payed the ultimate price, Let us Not Forget. "

Son of a Veteran wrote on May 14, 2008 1:22 PM:
" I think he should be allowed to sell flags. I agree he shouldn't sell balloons. Balloons are meant for fun and happy times not a solemn day such as Memorial Day. I don't see anything wrong with the flag though. Don't forget, those veterans died for that flag. "

John wrote on May 14, 2008 12:55 PM:
" Wow! what a circus you have in Charlestown!! Perhaps Mr. Fishman can sell his wares at your town council meetings!! Hey Jim Mageau are you a veteran or a conscientous objector? "