Remember: Veterans are reason visiting bikers have freedom to have an event
I am a snowbird and you might say “I don’t have a dog in this fight,” but I do have an opinion. Several years ago we did live here for a short time over the infamous “bike weekends” so I do have some idea of what happens.
Even then some homeowners left town, some businesses closed. I at that time worked part time at the then-Colonial Mall and we were advised to be aware. I am not sorry we missed the debacle that occurred last year.
Let’s forget about the bikers and try to put to the forefront the thousands of veterans that do live here. The veterans are the reason the bikers can have the freedom of speech that they do have.
The bikers should remember this when they arrive for the event. I am sure there are many bikers who are veteran’s and perhaps would join the Memorial Day parade.
It seems that the four-block town of Atlantic Beach has overtaken the minds of government in other cities.
When you are spending this money for barricades, extra police, etc. don’t try to tell the taxpayers it’s for all the events. You will not need these protective measures for the veterans when they have a parade.
The writer lives in Alexandria Bay, N.Y.
This story was originally published May 17, 2015 at 10:12 AM with the headline "Remember: Veterans are reason visiting bikers have freedom to have an event."