Veterans Day Parade to go on despite political correctness

A Veterans Day parade is a community celebration that should never be politicized. 

Sadly, a change in the official billing for the Travis County/City of Austin Veterans Day parade reflects a degree of behind-the-scenes politicking and social engineering.

The wording has gone from a proud headline reading "Presented by Travis County and the City of Austin" to a disclaimer: "... not an official Travis County or City of Austin activity" (see screenshots of the county's Veterans Day Parade web page below).

Screenshot taken Aug. 2, 2015

Screenshot taken Nov. 4, 2015

What happened?

Fox 7 News shared this letter from Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt wanting the independent parade organizing committee to cease any display of the Confederate battle flag.

In her letter, Judge Eckhardt referenced a "controversy" and suggested the Bonnie Blue flag or Burnett [sic] flag be used as substitutes.

"The Confederate [battle] flag is symbolic of slavery and an affront to free people," Eckhardt, who told the Austin Monitor even she is descended from Confederate veterans, wrote.

The parade committee voted unanimously against taking action.

Following a debate on the County Commissioners Court Tuesday, this inaction prompted a statement given to members of the press:

"Travis County will make every attempt to withdraw its administrative support in a way that does not imperil this year's parade" (full statement appears below the parade schedule).

Eckhardt noted the immediate resignation of the county's Veterans Service Officer from the committee as a result of the committee's refusal to heed her warnings.

We salute Republican Commissioner Gerald Daugherty, who opposed distancing the county from the parade.

“Everything in the parade is significant. I realize that that significance to some people is very offensive. I don’t personally feel that way, and... that’s the reason I'll vote against trying to force anybody to take anything out of the parade," Daugherty said.

We encourage everyone who can to attend this year's Veterans Day Parade (see full schedule below). Even if you have no prior military experience or veterans in your family, take the day off to experience the holiday as it was intended: to honor those who fought for and served our country.

You'll be glad you did, and our veterans will be thankful to see thousands of Travis County residents cheering them on despite the recent rebel flag flap.

* * *
Parade schedule 

PARADE

Parade Line up 7:30 to 8:30 am, at Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin, TX (Congress Street Bridge);  

Parade Reviewing Stand

8:45 am, "Inter-Continental Stephen F. Austin Hotel", located at 7th and Congress, Sponsored by Robert 'Evil' Evilsizer 

Parade Lead off
9:30 am, Flyover, parade will proceed up Congress Ave. to the Texas State Capitol; Capitol South Step Entertainment; the Del Valle High School Cardinal Band.
Parade Ends at 11th and Congress Ave. The Department of Veterans Affairs’, Veterans Day National Committee has selected Travis County and the City of Austin as a NATIONAL REGIONAL SITE for this 2015 Veterans’ Day celebration. ...

Musical Entertainment
10:30 through 10:55 am – Del Valle High School Cardinal Band 

Memorial Ceremony 

COMMEMORATION PROGRAM
11:00 am - on SOUTH STEPS OF THE STATE CAPITOL
This years' theme will be honoring the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII (1941-1946), 40th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (1964-1975) and a Tribute to the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War (1950-1955).
Welcoming – Master of Ceremonies, Travis County Veterans Service Officer
Introduction of Guest Speakers and Honorees
Presentation of Proclamations
11:20am – Federal, State, County, City and other Elected Officials
Presentation of Essay Contest Winners
AISD and the 2015 Parade Marshal
Roll Call to Honor our Dead
11:45am (Wreath Laying Ceremony with Bell Tolling, 21 Gun Salute and Taps)
Benediction
Parade Chaplain
Dismissal
12:00 - Del Valle High School Cardinal Band 

More info: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/veterans-services/veterans-day-parade/information/schedule 

* * * 

Statement by County Judge Sarah Eckhardt:
The Veterans Day Parade and actions of the Committee are neither official Travis County nor City of Austin activity. But given the many years of administrative support provided to the Committee by the Travis County Veterans Service Office, the Travis County Commissioners Court considered the implications of the Committee's decision.
In response to the Committee's vote, the Travis County Veterans Service Officer Olie Pope resigned from the Committee. A majority of the Commissioners Court voiced opposition to display of the Confederate Battle Flag and voiced support for for Mr. Pope divesting himself and his staff of administrative duties for the parade. Travis County expects the Veterans Day Parade will continue under the supervision of the Committee. Travis County will make every attempt to withdraw its administrative support in a way that does not imperil this year's parade."