Newton Officials On Alert for Soldier’s Reunion Parade

NEWTON, NC– “There’s no place for the Nazi, the KKK and the white supremacy groups we don’t support that at all that’s terrible it’s wrong,” said Wayne Dellinger with the Newton Merchant Association.

Wayne Dellinger with the Newton Merchant Association says their Solider’s Reunion parade is solely about honoring those who’ve served.

“Veterans come to the courthouse and they receive their pension checks and then it kept going kept going this is the 128th year”,” said Dellinger.

Dellinger says two years ago a few black ministers complained about the Confederate flag being flown, so they agreed the Sons of Confederate Veterans will be allowed to fly the confederate flag but only in their float.  Families attending say the tragedy in Charlottesville hasn’t played a role in this year’s events.

“This is a community event, it’s a tradition so for most people it’s not going to be a big deal I’m sure there’s some people who might think it’s a bigger deal,” said Statesville resident, Kellie Gryer.

Right in the middle of downtown is the city’s one Confederate Monument but parade organizers say this isn’t just about Confederate veterans it’s about all of them.

“This covers every veteran from Civil war to current time we even include police firemen,” said local radio host, Mike Sherrill.

Police say they haven’t received any threats to the parade or property but as always they’ll have security in place. Dellinger says if someone does cause trouble they should be held accountable like those in Durham who tore down the Confederate statue.

” If they’re crazy enough to do it let them do it, lock them up,” said Dellinger.