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Dan Magoon, founder of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, today quit his honorary position as head of the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade after organizers voted to bar a gay veterans group from the procession.
Magoon, whose organization supports Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families, released the following statement to the board of the Allied War Veterans Council on Wednesday morning:
I have worked hard over the years to support returning Veterans and their families. We have fought battles across this City, State and Country in regards to Veterans rights, benefits, employment, mental health, discriminatory practices, and many other significant areas important to our Veterans. To be a part of a parade excluding OutVets does not coincide with the work I do advocating for all Veterans.
The severity that this decision weighs not only negatively impacts OutVets, but also the families of Veterans, thus crating a ripple effect across our community.
I wish the parade success. The freedoms that we possess to hold such an event is due to the men and women who have spilled their blood in defense to this great nation, regarless of where they come from, what they look like, or who they share relations with.
OutVets was included in the 2015 and 2016 processions, following years of being barred. However, the parade’s council once again voted to bar the organization, according to The Boston Globe.
SOURCE: Universal Hub