Militant spurs more to duck P.R. parade
THE YANKEES, Coca-Cola, AT&T and the union representing Fire Department officers on Tuesday became the latest sponsors and supporters to pull out of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade over organizers’ decision to honor a militant linked to bombings in the city in the 1970s and ’80s.
The FDNY officers’ union and the FDNY Hispanic Society said they’d be boycotting the parade in protest of the “outrageous decision to honor a convicted felon in the very city where the attacks took place,” in reference to Oscar Lopez Rivera being named the parade’s first national freedom hero.
Lopez Rivera, 74, served 35 years in prison for his role in the Armed Forces of National Liberation, or FALN. President Barack Obama commuted his sentence shortly before he left office in January.
“Oscar Lopez Rivera’s actions led to the death and serious injury of innocent civilians and police officers,” said Uniformed Fire Officers Association President Jake Lemonda. “He is a convicted felon, plain and simple, and one who has not apologized or repented for his cowardly attacks.”
The union represents about 2,600 active and 4,600 retired FDNY lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs and deputy chiefs.
The groups joined fellow first responders, including police unions, the NYPD Hispanic Society and Police Commissioner James O’Neill in boycotting the June 11 march.
The Yankees did not elaborate on the team’s decision to pull out of the Fifth Ave. parade, but the team said it would continue to fund scholarships as in the past.
The Bombers have an afternoon home game the day of the parade.
Dallas-based AT&T said in a statement that it celebrates Puerto Ricans and “their rich heritage” but would be withdrawing support from the march this year.
The companies followed Goya Foods and JetBlue in cutting ties with the festivities.
FALN claimed responsibility for at least 100 bombings in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including an explosion that killed four people at historic Fraunces Tavern downtown in 1975.
Lopez Rivera was not convicted for any of the bombings, but a former member of the group testified that he taught members how to make bombs.
“It is also important to note that he has not been pardoned for his crimes; he merely had his sentence shortened,” Lemonda added. “His conviction stands, and the idea of honoring someone such as he should be rejected by all.”
O’Neill said on Monday he will not march.
Mayor de Blasio has said he will march in the annual event, as will City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
The board of directors for the parade on Monday defended the decision to name Lopez Rivera a national freedom hero, or “procer de la libertad.”
“We understand that others may not be able to be with us,” the statement said.
“However, we will continue to represent all voices, with an aim to spark dialogue and find common ground, so that we can help advance our community and build cultural legacy.”