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Keep Campaigns Out of Parade
June 11, 2008
I read with interest the comments by Rick Coe, past commander of the Waterford VFW Post No. 1008. It seems every year that there are candidates who pass out literature at the Waterford Memorial Day Parade in violation of the rules. The Veterans and the parade officials are very emphatic that the parade is not to be used to campaign for public office and this is made crystal clear to all the candidates who participate in the parade. We agree completely.
The North Oakland Republican Club (NORC) has participated in the Waterford Memorial Day Parade every year for over a decade because we appreciate and want to recognize the sacrifices of those men and women who gave their lives for all of us.
NORC has never allowed candidates associated with NORC to hand out their own personal literature (during the parade). We insure that our handouts are pre-approved by parade officials in order to be compliant with the rules and in keeping with the intent and spirit of the parade. The theme printed on the NORC float is "Support Our Troops" and this year we purchased flags for the float representing the Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force.
I'm very proud of the efforts of the many volunteers who turned out this year to spend countless hours, and much of their own money, in designing, building and decorating a brand new float to celebrate those who defend our freedom. Hopefully next year, every participant will remember that this parade is held to celebrate the heroes who sacrificed so much on our behalf — and leave their campaign material at home.
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