Veteran asks why confederate floats were allowed at annual parade

“I, Antonio Castillo, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

This is the oath I took in 1999 as I enlisted in the U.S. Army. I am now a veteran.

Saturday was a beautiful day for the Veterans Day Parade. Everything was fine until two Confederate floats passed by. It was insulting to those of use who swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Who allowed these floats to participate in the parade? Why would you have a Veterans Day Parade to honor and insult us at the same time?

The heritage these groups celebrate kept a race of people enslaved. The Sons of Confederate Veterans continues to celebrate Confederate Heroes Day during MLK weekend in January. Does the City of San Marcos condone their beliefs?

I hope our city council members and mayor can see who allowed the Confederate groups to participate and take action. Don't invite us to a parade meant to honor us, then turn around and invite groups whose heritage did not see us as equals.

Antonio Castillo