![]() ![]() "We regret any actions taken that detracts from this important message." "We salute LTC Kemter’s service and his moving remarks about the history of Memorial Day and the important role played by Black Americans in honoring our fallen heroes," Oxford said. Oxford offered praise to Kemter, who continued to deliver his speech without the aid of a microphone. RELATED: Memorial Day 2021: The origin of America’s commemoration of its fallen troops Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, the national headquarters is very clear that The American Legion deplores racism and reveres the Constitution," Oxford said. "The Ohio American Legion assures us that they are fully investigating this incident. Oxford put out a statement announcing an investigation and firmly condemning the censorship. When word of what happened reached the American Legion, National Commander James W. (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images) More: City leaders condemn cutting of veteran's mic at Hudson Memorial Day service.Flags are seen by military headstones at Los Angeles National Cemetery on Memorial Day, in Los Angeles, California on May 31, 2021. "We remain committed to engaging in continuing communication and to address issues of systemic racism and intolerance and their impact on individuals and on the community." Kemter was treated this way by the American Legion while in our community," the government leaders stated. On Thursday afternoon, Hudson Mayor Craig Shubert and all seven City Council members issued a prepared statement condemning the Hudson American Legion's actions at Monday's ceremony. By midafternoon on Thursday, it appeared that Suchan's Facebook page had been taken down. Many comments were heated, with some using profane language. This kind of racist censorship has NO place in Hudson!"īy late Thursday morning, several hundred comments were posted on Suchan's personal Facebook page criticizing her actions and urging her to resign from her position as leader of the Hudson American Legion Auxiliary. Weinstein also tweeted that Suchan "should be removed from her position. "I want to know why the organizers felt they had to censor this veteran at our Hudson Memorial Day event!" he shared in a tweet. Casey Weinstein, D-37th District, also a Hudson resident, called the incident "an EMBARRASSMENT." The story was shared via Twitter by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Magazine reporter who created the magazine's 1619 Project and was also picked up by The Washington Post and other media. We regret any actions taken that detracts from this important message.”Ī Beacon Journal story about the speech had more than 390,000 page views nationwide by Thursday afternoon, making it among the most widely read stories across the USA Today Network in the past 24 hours. We salute LTC Kemter’s service and his moving remarks about the history of Memorial Day and the important role played by Black Americans in honoring our fallen heroes. Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, the national headquarters is very clear that The American Legion deplores racism and reveres the Constitution. ![]() “Bill” Oxford issued this statement regarding the incident in Hudson: “The Ohio American Legion assures us that they are fully investigating this incident. "We are shocked about this," Heller said Thursday.Īmerican Legion National Cmdr. Suzette Heller, department adjutant for the American Legion Department of Ohio, told the Beacon Journal an investigation is "happening right now," and added her office also is in communication with the national American Legion office. Roger Friend had requested the resignations of Suchan and James Garrison, adjutant of the local American Legion post. It was followed Thursday evening with tweet saying Ohio Cmdr. Thank you for bringing this to our attention."Ī separate tweet from the American Legion Department of Ohio stated, "We will investigate and take disciplinary action if necessary." JIM GARRISON HUDSON OHIO FULLThis matter and the facts are under full investigation by our organization. The American Legion Department of Ohio said in a tweet directed to a Beacon Journal reporter that it is investigating the incident: "We are aware of the incident written by you and published in the Akron Beacon Journal. Hudson American Legion Auxiliary President Cindy Suchan, who chairs the Memorial Day parade committee, told the Beacon Journal Kemter's mic was turned down because it “was not relevant to our program for the day," and added the “theme of the day was honoring Hudson veterans.” Barnard Kemter, began sharing a story about freed Black slaves honoring deceased soldiers shortly after the end of the Civil War. What we know: Ohio veteran's mic cut as he spoke about Memorial Day and Black historyĪ ceremony organizer turned off the mic Monday when the event's keynote speaker, retired Army Lt. Col. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |