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Veterans Refuse to Pay Parade Costs
KVLA 13 News ^ | October 22, 2003 | Dana Rebik

Posted on 10/23/2003 3:30:55 PM PDT by Z-28

October 22, 2003

Veterans Refuse to Pay Parade Costs

By Dana Rebik

Eugene, OR

Local veterans have come out victorious in a battle over an unpaid bill.  The outstanding debt goes back almost a year, to last November's Veterans' Day Parade.

For years, veterans have paid the money themselves to cover the costs of parade security and police escorts, but they say they shouldn't have to do that anymore.  

"We paid our debt to society by serving our country in foreign wars," says veteran Nick Urhausen.  "Now we work and pay taxes, and by paying to put on a parade that honors our own service, it just doesn't make sense."  

Veterans say they were under the impression last year that the City of Eugene would cover all costs.  But a longer route and rain delay were to blame for the cost jumping from around $800 to over $2500.  

On Wednesday, October 22nd, the Eugene Police Employees Association met and decided to pick up the tab for the veterans.  They presented a check for over $1500 to Mayor Torrey's office.

Now that the bill has been paid for last year's parade, it's time to look ahead.  This year's celebration is planned for November 9th, and no one has paid for it yet.  

Mayor Torrey says Walmart has given the veterans a $500 donation that can be applied, and he has offered to help pay for some of the cost himself.

The parade route will start on Oak St. downtown and run down to 10th.  It will then circle back up Willamette and finish in front of Veterans Building on 16th.



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TOPICS: Government; US: Oregon
KEYWORDS: eugene; veterans; veteransday

1 posted on 10/23/2003 3:30:56 PM PDT by Z-28
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To: Z-28
Thank you Vets!
2 posted on 10/23/2003 3:31:51 PM PDT by Z-28
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To: Z-28
Pretty stinking city if you ask me.
3 posted on 10/23/2003 3:32:48 PM PDT by RetiredArmy (We'll put a boot in your ass, it's the American Way! Toby Keith)
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To: Z-28
You know, sometimes, some of these old vets must wonder why they bothered? Why did they leave their jobs and families, and put their lives on "hold", to defend a country that has so little regard for them. (Especially the richest, most elite and coddled citizens- most of whom would faint at the sight of a slit-trench latrine).
4 posted on 10/23/2003 3:59:19 PM PDT by RANGERAIRBORNE ("Si vis pacem, para bellum"- still good advice after 2000 years.)
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To: RANGERAIRBORNE
Perhaps, since the cost covers security, they could let the vets do their own. They are just as, if not better, qualified to handle crowd control as the Eugene cops. Just supply the ambulances and let them be seen. That should take care of the problem.
5 posted on 10/23/2003 4:08:52 PM PDT by Redwood71
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To: Redwood71
That sounds like a great solution! I'd love to watch the vets in action.
6 posted on 10/23/2003 4:11:01 PM PDT by bluesagewoman
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To: bluesagewoman
It might get ugly?
7 posted on 10/23/2003 5:49:47 PM PDT by Redwood71
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To: Redwood71
I'll bet you're right! (My imagination goes into overdrive.)
8 posted on 10/23/2003 6:02:31 PM PDT by bluesagewoman
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To: Redwood71
"Perhaps, since the cost covers security, they could let the vets do their own. They are just as, if not better, qualified to handle crowd control as the Eugene cops. Just supply the ambulances and let them be seen. That should take care of the problem."

What's the problem? Can't they just get the police for security like every other parade?

9 posted on 10/23/2003 7:21:52 PM PDT by left-handed conservative chef
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To: All

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10 posted on 10/23/2003 7:22:05 PM PDT by Bob J
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To: Z-28
Good for you for standing up for this, Vets!
11 posted on 10/23/2003 7:23:07 PM PDT by Libertina (Steadfast loyalty - The sign of a true friend and leader.)
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To: left-handed conservative chef
"What's the problem? Can't they just get the police for security like every other parade?"



These people doing this parade, and it is for the city's benefit and not just the vets, have earned a little assistance, don't you think? The security being discussed is also for the city and it's residence. The right to parade down the street during a national holiday is freedom of speech. You can be assured the offenders of the parade will not ask for police help as they are notorious for breaking windows and turning over cars. I can absolutely promise you the security will not be violated by the vets, just the anti-war/lowlifes that will cause problems for the citizens far more than they would for the vets. If left unattended, the vets can easily take care of the problem without the cops and the cops will probably get assistance if they need it before they ask.

So I ask you, seeing as how the vets are legally parading down a route they publicize, and are doing it peaceably, and have never violated that peace in the history of the parade, then why should they pay for something they don't need, i.e. protection, when the disturbance will most likely be against the citizens of the city?
12 posted on 10/24/2003 10:39:39 AM PDT by Redwood71
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To: Redwood71
You are preaching to the choir. I agree.
13 posted on 10/24/2003 2:30:39 PM PDT by left-handed conservative chef
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