What a week! First the Allied War Veteran Council voted 9-4 to deny OUTVETS entry in the Evacuation Day/St.Patrick’s Day Parade. Then Dan Magoon from Mass Fallen Heroes resigned from his honorary position. Sponsors of the parade like Dedham Savings, Budweiser, Stop and Shop, Mass Bay Credit Union, Joyce Lebedew Real Estate, and City of Boston Credit Union threatened to pull their sponsorship unless the parade was inclusive. All local politicians said they would not march until OUTVETS could participate. That list includes: Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Marty Walsh, Congressman Stephen Lynch, City Councilor Michael Flaherty Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, and State Rep. Nick Collins.
Ed Flynn – member of the AWVC – who voted in support and advocated for OUTVETS vowed to organize another meeting and a revote on Friday. By mid-day Friday – Bill Desmond who is the only member of the AWVC who could call a revote – said “No Way!” People took to social media and were outraged and then low and behold a simple message on the South Boston Parade’s twitter feed – it was okay for OUTVETS to march.
So there you have it! No word yet, what went down and why the change of heart for the AWVC. There is a scheduled meeting tonight between elected officials and AWVC. So shall see.
Congrats on your excellent coverage of this debacle, Maureen. You had quicker, more accurate, and uncensored coverage than the other Southie news sources/social media.