By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — A small group of demonstrators carried signs in support of local veterans in Lincoln Park Monday.
Some of the same demonstrators who protested at the No Kings rally a few weeks ago came out with different signs for two hours Monday to thank local veterans for the service,
The “pop-up demonstration” was meant to show support for veterans, said organizer Jessica Davis, who has helped coordinate many demonstrations protesting Trump administration policies. GHer father was a Navy veteran, she said.
A light snow was falling as the demonstration started around 11 a.m. About an inch had fallen overnight.
Marian Blair and Joe Rich, both of Olean, carried signs that read “Thank You Vets” and “We Love Our Vets.” They were two of 17 demonstrators.
“I don’t think our veterans get enough appreciation,” Blair said.
Rich said he was out demonstrating for veterans because, “If we get one person’s attention, to make them more aware, then we’ve done our job.”
Davis, meanwhile, was on the bullhorn with chants supporting veterans. Her sign read: “Protect our Vets:” and “Happy Veterans Day.” She said the pop-up demonstration was being held on Monday so as not to conflict with Tuesday’s Veteran’s Day services in Lincoln Park.
There was still a hint of protest: Davis listed Defense Sec. Pete Hegsteth’s policies forcing women out of the military and Veterans Administration job cuts and cuts to veterans healthcare.
On Tuesday the Olean American Legion and Olean Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct Veterans Day services at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lincoln Park. Last year the service was held in War Veterans Park.
The Salamanca American Legion and VFW will conduct a ceremony in front of the Legion and VFW, also at 11 a.m.
