Dan's Papers - June 15, 2007

On May 21st, Judge Joseph Bianco approved a settlement that will allow anti-war protesters to march in the Southampton Village Fourth of July parade. This was made possible becuase of a lawsuit filed last summer in the U.S. District Court in Central Islip after the Southampton Village parade commission attempted, but failed, to block protesters from marching in the annual parade while carrying anti-war signs and speaking out against the state of affairs in the country. The lawsuit, which was pursued to make certain that protesters would be allowed to march in future parades, cited the First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech.

Judge Bianco also included a stipulation that required the village to draft and adopt a policy that would allow any individual or group to participate in the parade. The ruling will only affect the Fourth of July parade, but will be subject to review by the court as precedent for other parades if needed.

Protesters who marched last year will be allowed to march again. The agreement noted that any organization, group or person wishing to march in the Fourth of July parade must apply to do so. In turn, the village has created a formal application process for all those seeking to march and, just in case any applications are denied or rejected by the parade commission, there is a formal appeals process.

Last week, I requested an application after learning that you cannot go to the Southampton Village Hall to pick up a copy. Instead, it must be sent by snail mail. So when I received my application, which was signed by William A. Frankenbach, who is the Chairperson of the Commission on Veterans' Patriotic Events, I was interested to learn about the restrictions and guidelines. This is the same William A. Frankenbach, veteran of the Korean War, who collapsed at the Memorial Day service when he was shocked multiple times by his defibrillator after exhausting himself while trying to raise the American flag. After being taken to Southampton Hospital by ambulance and released later that day, Frankenbach reported that the defibrillator "saved my life." He is recovering at home.

The theme for this year's parade, which will be held on Wednesday, July 4th at 10 a.m., is "Celebrate America's Birthday." If one wishes to participate in the event, your float or other entry in the parade must "comply with the theme." Further, insurance requires that all entries follow these restrictions for parade participants and safety of the spectators.

1. No throwing of candy, money, or any other objects along the parade route.
2. No handing out pamphlets, flags (other then committee), or any other material.
3. All entries remain in the line of march along the entire parade route.
4. No excessive delays or noise during the parade.
ANYONE NOT COMPLYING WITH THESE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE LINE OF MARCH.

The rest of the guideline sheet asked for donations to help defray the cost of the parade and the second sheet that came with the application was the actual form that an entrant must fill out. It asks for organization/entry name, contact information and for the applicant to circle one:

"1. I will be able to attend the parade festivities. My entry will consist of: 2. I will not be able to attend."

The application seemed very casual, especially after protesters in 2005, who marched with radical and politically charges signs such as "Bush is a Murderer" and "Blood Oil," were met with unwelcoming responses from the crowd. Mr. Frankenbach reported that the parade is meant to be an uplifting family event and not a politically-charged diatribe. In last year's parade, the protesters carried signs that were supportive of the troops, not bashing its leaders.

Last week, members of the Suffolk County chapter of the East End Vets of the New York Civil Liberties Union and James Henry, a Sag Harbor attorney who represented the protesters, gathered outside of Southampton Village Hall to announce and celebrate the settlement allowing anti-war protesters to march in the Southampton Village Fourth of July Parade.

I look forward to marching in this year's parade to support the troops and I intend to send in my application in hopes that the Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events will approve my plans to wear red, white and blue, smile and not throw candy. If you would like to participate, contact the Commission on Veterans' Patriotic Events at the Southampton Village Hall to request an application. Happy Independence Day.