http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=11173 March 24th, 2008 5:52 pm
American Legion in FL will host Vets for Freedom event Tuesday after FLHS cancels appearance
Forest Lake Times
Tuesday’s planned National Heroes Tour stop at Forest Lake High School under the sponsorship of the Vets for Freedom organization, has been canceled and moved to American Legion Post 225, 355 W. Broadway Ave. The program is slated from 9-11 a.m.
On Monday, Steve Massey, high school principal, said negative calls and e-mail relating to the school’s involvement in the event made it necessary for the school to cancel the appearance. Some 150 social studies students were slated to hear the stories of veterans from a number of U.S. wars and learn about the importance of military service to the country.
Massey said he has received more than a dozen phone calls and e-mails objecting to or questioning the school involvement. As an institution that needs to remain neutral and objective, Massey said he did not want the school placed in a situation where the Iraq War would be the topic of a debate and possibly a protest. Pete Hegseth, executive director of the national organization and a Forest Lake graduate, had arranged the tour, one of many that will take place throughout country. Sixth District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann was also slated to attend.
Chief of Police Clark Quiring said citizens who were putting leaflets on the windshieds of vehicles in the high school parking lot on Monday were asked to leave the grounds and did so. The leaflets were in opposition of the Tuesday event.