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Anti-war vets allowed to march after all

DENVER — Anti-war veterans groups were allowed to march in the Veterans Day Parade after reaching a last minute deal with organizers.

Members of Veterans for Peace and Iraq Veterans Against the War marched at the end of Saturday’s parade holding signs protesting the war and President Bush. Some people along the parade route turned their backs on those veterans while others applauded.

When one a sign belonging to one of the protesters fell on the ground, Florence Sebern stood on it and refused to move in a protest of her own.

“Today is a day of patriotism, not politicism. Period. End of statement,” she said.

Air Force veteran Jim Hill said the groups should be allowed to march in the parade.

“They put in their time, they lost their buddies too, their friends,” he said.

Frank Bessinger of Veterans for Peace said he was told a month ago that his group wouldn’t be allowed to march after participating last year. The group then planned to march alongside the parade on the sidewalk protesting the decision to exclude them until reaching a deal with organizers on Friday.

“We don’t want to be specially recognized, but we do want be honored for our service,” said Bessinger, whose group has about two dozen members.

Jerry Hageman, president of the Denver United Veterans Council, said the groups agreed to follow some guidelines, allowing the focus of the parade to return to honoring veterans and their families.