Anti-war veterans group banned from Bremerton parade

Anti-war veterans group banned from Bremerton parade

06:24 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 13, 2008

By ALLEN SCHAUFFLER / KING 5 News




BREMERTON, Wash. - They're expecting good weather and big crowds in Bremerton this weekend for the annual Armed Forces Day Parade.

This year organizers expect two dozen bands, 165 entries and nearly 6,000 people on parade.

If the weather heats up, it could draw 40,000 spectators

But one veterans group says they're not invited. The North Olympic Peninsula Veterans for Peace say they're being kept out of the parade this year because of their anti-war stance.

The anti-war group marched last year. This year the Chamber of Commerce sent them a rejection letter.

David Jenkins, who served four years in the Navy, says they have no interest in causing problems on parade day.

"We believe sincerely that we need to find peaceful solutions to all international problems, national problems, local problems," Jenkins said.


The North Olympic Peninsula Veterans for Peace say they're being kept out of the Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade because of their anti-war stance.

But organizers say the group is too political and that's not what the parade is about.

"This is not set up for politics," said Cris Larsen, chairman of the Armed Forces Festival.

"Veterans groups are allowed to march and walk, it's the whole idea of the parade was set up 60 years ago to honor all those brave men and women who have served in our armed forces."

Jenkins says his group will be there and be visible Saturday even if they don't march.

Larsen says he'd be glad to sit down and talk and see if they can work out some kind of compromise.

So in this particular battle, maybe there is a chance for peace.

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_051308WAB_vets_parade_KS.f9c71fa6.html

In this case I have to agree. This is the Armed Forces Day Parade and should be one day to unite as all members of the Armed Forces.