Veterans group dissociates with the politics of D.C. rally

The Brats for Veterans Advocacy Group received a lot of attention when it led a rally in Washington this weekend, protesting the closure of national monuments and memorials. On Monday however, a statement was put on the website and Facebook page of the rally, saying: “We feel disheartened that some would seek to hijack the narrative for political gain.”

The rally was deemed “Million Vet March on the Memorials,” and veterans and conservatives took to the World War II, tearing away the blockades. Conservative leaders including Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Mike Lee and Sarah Palin spoke at the event, which embodied a great deal of anti-Obama messages.

However, the veterans group said in the website’s statement: “The political agenda put forth by a local organizer in Washington D.C. yesterday was not in alignment with our message. We feel disheartened that some would seek to hijack the narrative for political gain. The core principle was and remains about all Americans honoring veterans in a peaceful and apolitical manner. Mr. Cruz, Ms. Palin and some attendees, including political parties may have not been aware of the goals of the marches which took place in over 60+ rallies across the nation.”

The group added that they have strict political guidelines that were to be followed at the rally on Sunday, and that “political rhetoric veering away from our core message” was to be avoided. The Brats for Veterans Advocacy Group is saying that “a local organizer” was responsible for not following the guidelines, and taking an overly political route.