Police Chief Explains Absence At Memorial Day Parade

To the Editor,

Recently I had been made aware of some comments concerning my absence at our Town’s recent Memorial Day parade – my apologies to all our veterans and those serving in our military.

Since being appointed to the position of Chief of Police it has been my choice and honor to participate in our Town’s Memorial and Veteran’s Day parades; believing it to be the proper and appropriate way to recognize our military service personnel. However the Memorial Day weekend happens to coincide with my sons' attendance at an annual youth soccer league tournament, typically held in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Our family has attended this event for approximately 10 years with two sons being involved.

As a Knight of Columbus and now as Chief of Police, my participation in the parade (Memorial Day) has depended on how well my sons’ teams have played in the tournament as the finals are always played on the Monday of the holiday weekend. Many times our teams fall short of making the finals and we are home enjoying the parade. On occasion, when all goes well, we have the enjoyment of watching them compete in the soccer finals – this was that year.

As much as I like to participate in the parade, the opportunity to see your child compete with friends in an event – regardless of the activity – does not occur that often and was something I chose not to miss. After a good tournament our family returned home from N.H. at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

My apologies to all our military service personnel past and present, I’m sure you understand. Thank you and God bless.

Thomas J. Mulligan, Chief of Police, North Kingstown

June 3, 2013