Mark Vrooman: The Legion looks forward to seeing the mayor on Nov. 11

To The Daily Sun,

The Legion would like to clarify the record regarding the mayor’s comments about Memorial Day, as the public deserves an accurate account of the facts.

The American Legion mailed a written invitation to the mayor at City Hall on May 6. A copy is available for review and, because it was sent to the city, it is a public record. The U.S. Postal Service has not returned it as undeliverable, and after more than three months, it is reasonable to conclude it was delivered. Historically, if the mayor did not formally respond, he attended and fulfilled the customary role, and nothing in this year’s invitation indicated a different expectation.

The American Legion Wilkins-Smith Post 1 issued no formal invitation to anyone other than the mayor. If city councilors were invited by another party, that was not done by the American Legion. The mayor stated that, had he known he was expected to speak, he would have come with prepared remarks, appropriate attire, and without his dog. We appreciate that clarification and look forward to inviting him to our Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. Consistent with his stated expectations, he will not be listed as a speaker unless we receive his acceptance in advance.

We appreciate the mayor’s acknowledgment that both of his grandfathers served our country, and we thank them for their service. Our concern is not with his respect for veterans, but with how the Office of the Mayor was represented during one of our community’s most solemn observances. Memorial Day deserves the highest standard of preparation, professionalism, and accountability.

We now consider this matter closed and remain committed to serving Laconia’s veterans while preserving the dignity of Memorial Day.

Mark Vrooman

Laconia