This year’s Twin Village Memorial Day parade will feature veterans in convertibles, floats and music – but no candy for the kiddies.
The Executive Board of the American Legion Post 42, Damariscotta, requests participants in the Memorial Day Parade not throw candy to the crowds during the parade this year.
“I know, I know,” Stanley Wall, the post commander said, anticipating that kids would “boo” his decision, but he explained the decision was made for safety reasons.
“In the last years, we had some kids run out in the street after the candy and nearly got run over by the fire trucks,” he said. “I would hate to have a kid hurt. Besides, the parade is to honor veterans,” he said.
The decision was finalized at last week’s meeting of post’s board of directors.
“It was a local decision. We were just afraid someone would get hurt,” he said.
Wall urged parade groups to not pitch candy to the kids and thanks them in advance for their help.
Chief Steve Drake of the Damariscotta Police Dept. agreed with the decision. “This is something the police department has been concerned about for years.”
Two years ago in Florida, a nine-year-old was killed picking up a piece of candy during a parade, leading to ban candy throwing in parades in several areas across the country.
But there are other good reasons for curtailing the candy throwing practice.
In a letter to the editor of The Lincoln County News last June, Damariscotta resident Ruth Monsell expressed the opinion that candy “demeans the day and our country’s traditions, and destroys the educational opportunity Memorial Day presents.”
Monsell went on to ask, “What child, anticipating a stash of sweets, can focus on what they’re being told about U.S. history, supreme sacrifice, and veterans?”
Expressing a similar viewpoint, the statement of the local board of legionnaires said, “The American Legion would also like to remind the public that Memorial Day is to honor the members of our Armed Forces who gave their lives defending our country and to show support for those who are currently serving in our military around the world and here at home.”
Wall feels children should be taught not only the meaning of the celebration, but to respect the flag by removing caps and saluting or placing a hand over the heart. Parents can easily teach this by example.
The alarming rise of the childhood obesity epidemic is a third good reason to do away with Memorial Day candy. The many artificial ingredients, including dyes and preservatives found in most wrapped candy have frequently been linked to health risks including hyperactivity and depression in children.
