Mike Bordes: Mayor accepts apology from Virginia Nadaud about jeans

To The Daily Sun,

Virginia, thanks for the letter and for the sincerity behind this apology. It takes honesty and humility to step forward publicly and say they jumped to a conclusion and I respect that. We all make assumptions at times, especially when we’re reacting to a single moment in a photograph. What matters is the willingness to revisit it with clearer eyes, and they did exactly that.

I want them to know I accept their apology fully and thank them for bringing our community closer together.

The truth is simple: Memorial Day was about honoring our fallen heroes, and I was there to do exactly that. My dog was there because he works with veterans at the New Hampshire Veterans Home.

But here’s the part that matters most: Instead of letting a misunderstanding divide the community, we turned it into something positive. The now famous jeans are being auctioned on June 30 at Liliuokalani’s, with proceeds supporting Operation Delta Dog, helping veterans receive trained service dogs. That’s the kind of outcome Laconia can be proud of.

Virginia's letter is another reminder that when we talk to each other, not past each other, we find common ground. We’re a stronger community when we choose understanding over outrage and unity over noise.

Thanks again for the thoughtful letter. Huckleberry and I look forward to seeing our city come together on the 30th to support a great cause and show what Laconia is really about.

Mayor Mike Bordes

Laconia