As members of the Crosslake Fifty Lakes Post 500 American Legion Color Guard, we look forward each year to the privilege of marching in the Pequot Lakes Fourth of July parade.
As veterans of our military services we consider it an honor to be able to present our American flag for all to pay tribute to. We want to thank Post 49 for inviting us each year along with the Nisswa American Legion Post and the Jenkins VFW Post to form an exceptional Color Guard to lead this wonderful Independence Day event.
However, this year the Pequot Lakes police motorcycle officer chose to have the parade focus on himself and his motorcycle and not the color guard that is meant to lead the parade.
After the debacle at last year's parade when the same motorcycle officer "led" the parade, he was instructed to be at least 100 yards in advance of the color guard to clear the route for the participants.
This didn't happen and he again chose to attempt to be the focus and "lead" the parade. After many false starts and stops and parade organizers' intervention, he finally moved out and kept the separation that was requested by the Pequot Lakes American Legion Color Guard.
It's a long march for our members; many are over 60 years old. We are proud members of our color guard who feel it a privilege to pay tribute to our flag and country. We don't need a motorcycle policeman attempting to focus the "spotlight" on himself.
Joe Wiltsey,
Color Guard, Sergeant at Arms
Crosslake Fifty Lakes American Legion Post 500
