NEW Patriots parade committee chairman Ron Zahn received the email below from the De Pere Kiwanis Memorial Day Parade Committee: We've been disinvited! Thanks to all who have joined us for past parades and who were looking forward to participating again this year. WE APPRECIATE your patriotism!
Monday, May 5, 2025
Ron:
I'm afraid your group is no longer welcome to participate in the De Pere Kiwanis Memorial Day Parade. Last year you allowed a political candidate to march with your group. I did not realize at the time that he was in full campaign mode while marching with your group, but by the end of the route it was clear that he was wearing his campaign stickers and was handing out his campaign literature, while marching as a member of your group. Since we had turned away other political candidates under the rules of our parade, which clearly prohibit politicians, this was a flagrant violation, and we were questioned about the double standard. In addition, we again received complaints about your group being a political organization and we were questioned why we were allowing your group to march in the parade, but not others. Given these complaints and violations, the Parade Committee asked the entire membership of the De Pere Kiwanis Club how to handle this, and our Club voted unanimously to exclude your group from participation in future parades.
Thank you,
Eric Enli
Chairperson, De Pere Kiwanis Memorial Day Parade Committee
[email protected]