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Select Board reads Memorial Day complaint letter, members defend remarks as inclusive
Summary
A Holderness resident complained that Select Board remarks at the Memorial Day ceremony were partisan; the board read the letter aloud, the Select Board member who gave the remarks apologized that the remarks offended the letter-writer but said the intent was to affirm inclusive ideals, and fellow board members supported the comments.
The Select Board read a letter from Edward Swanson of Holderness criticizing remarks made at the town's Memorial Day ceremony that he called partisan and "disgraceful." Swanson's letter urged the board to prevent solemn public ceremonies from being marred by political speech.
Select Board member (the board member who delivered the Memorial Day remarks) responded by reading an excerpt of the Memorial Day comments and said the intent was to honor veterans and to stress that "liberty and justice for all" applies to all Americans. The board member apologized that Swanson felt the remarks were "arrogant, or appalling, or hostile," and explained the delivery may have sounded more forceful because there was no microphone at the event.
Other board members voiced support for the remarks, saying they found them respectful and on point for what Memorial Day stands for. One board member said conflating patriotism with partisan messaging is inappropriate and that awareness of social issues can be consistent with honoring veterans.
The Select Board in public session read the letter and discussed the matter; no formal disciplinary or policy actions were proposed or taken.
