Parade is anything but disgraceful
This note is in response to the caller whose message was printsolely ed in the "Bee Heard" column published June 6.

I was privileged to march in two Memorial Day parades and serve in one Honor Guard tribute with my fellow American Legionnaires in our town on this special day of remembrance. It disturbed me to have you say that the town parade was "a totally disgraceful parade." I do believe it is customary for town officials to show their support by marching in these parades. I know that the members of my American Legion Post are most grateful for the assistance we receive from our elected officials.

Did it occur to you that some of the men and women of the parading volunteer fire departments may also be veterans or have family members in military service? As a youngster didn't you experience the thrill of seeing the bright red trucks sounding their horns and sirens?

When our nation's colors passed by did you stand and place your hat and/or hand over your heart and thank our veterans and military men and women for their sacrifices in protecting your right of peaceful assembly and the opportunity to voice your opinions of an event such as this? Or did you remain in your comfortable chair in the shade and find fault?

Personally I would like to see more organizations marching in the parade. If we were to rely on the veterans, I'm afraid it wouldn't be much of a parade. You may notice that each year the veterans groups are getting older and smaller in number.

I do hope you attend next year's parade and help us pay our respects to our fallen heroes. And by all means, don't let the little things distract you from the purpose of this special day.

James G. Walker

Klein Road

Amherst