During a Memorial Day speech by Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter in Hudson, Ohio, his microphone was turned down while he shared a story about freed Black people who had been enslaved honored deceased soldiers after the Civil War ended in 1868.
Kemter's microphone was turned down for about two minutes during the even hosted by the Hudson American Legion Lee-Bishop Post 464.
Members of Hudson American Legion wanted that portion of Kemter's speech excluded, arguing that it wasn't relevant for their Memorial Day program. Their intention was to honor Hudson veterans, according to Memorial Day parade committee chair and president of the Hudson American Legion Auxiliary Cindy Suchan.
“I find it interesting that [the American Legion] … would take it upon themselves to censor my speech and deny me my First Amendment right to [freedom of] speech,” Kemter told the Akron Beacon Journal. “… This is not the same country I fought for.”
What will happen next?
The American Legion responded to the incident on Twitter, writing that an investigation is taking place.
"The Ohio American Legion assures us that they are fully investigating this incident," The American Legion wrote on Twitter. "Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, the national headquarters is very clear that The American Legion deplores racism and reveres the Constitution.
"We salute LTC Kemter’s service & his moving remarks about the history of Memorial Day & the important role played by Black Americans in honoring our fallen heroes. We regret any actions taken that detracts from this important message."
How did people in Hudson and beyond react?
The reaction to what happened during the speech was swift, whether it was on the city of Hudson Facebook account, on Twitter and on Reddit.
"This, my friends, is all of US history summarized in a headline. The sad truth," one person wrote on Twitter.
The story was picked up by various news outlets, including the Washington Post, The New York Post and The Hill.
How did politicians respond?
State Rep. Casey Weinstein, who represents the district that includes Hudson, responded on Twitter on Wednesday saying, "This is an EMBARRASSMENT. I want to know why the organizers felt they had to censor this veteran at our Hudson Memorial Day event!"
Rep. Weinstein continued: "Cindy Suchan should be removed from her position. It’s time to send a message. This kind of racist censorship has NO place in Hudson!"
Is there video of the speech?
Yes. Kemter's speech was part of a video over an hour long uploaded to Vimeo by Hudson Community Television.
