Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

[jcoppola 52]

I just read on Mass. Union website that the Boston FD is not participating in this years' parade. Thats like not having turkey on Thanksgiving. But, in light of what they are going through there, I cannot say I blame them.

http://www.brocktonfirelocal144.org/index....mp;homeID=79961

[IzzyEng4 427]

Joe, the link is broken.

[x134 46]

In the next few years some of the guys in my Department may have to break our tradition of going to New York for St. Patricks Day and go to Boston. I hear it is a good time. We can all wear our YANKEES GEAR!!! LOL

[IzzyEng4 427]

I read an article on it a little while ago, BFD is calling for a boycott because of the ongoing contact negotiation and other problems with they mayor. However, the parade is not sponsored by the City of Boston nor does the mayor march in it. The parade is sponsored by a local vet's organization.

Here is the line to Boston.com article.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/...boycott_parade/

[AFS1970 504]

I've read this on a couple of forums now, and I have to say this. While it is not a city parade or one the mayor marches in, it is one of the most visible events the BFD participates in, and in that it makes an excelent stage for such a protest. But the bottom line is that this is Boston's parade and the Boston Firefighters have made a request of all other departments to stand by their side, so if for no other reason do this out of brotherhood. For me it is a moot point because I have never been to bostons parade, but this is certainly not the year to start going.

I remember a few years ago in NYC, when the green berets were first banned, that all of the out of town FF's took off their uniform hats as they passed by the reviewing stand and the protesting Firefighters, this was done as a sign of respect and solidarity, and that was also a privatelly run parade.

When in Rome.....