Harrisburg Cop Screams that real 75 Year Old Marine is a Fake, Refuses to Apologize

[JPZenger]

Last edited Sat Jun 6, 2015, 06:10 AM - Edit history (2)

It is upsetting that a real 75 year old Marine who regularly participates in events honoring veterans was falsely and publicly accused of being a fake by a Harrisburg Police Officer, in repeated confrontations. Even after he showed his Veterans ID card, the police supervisor told him to leave a festival. Still, no one has apologized.

"Ford has a tradition on Memorial Day. He dons his dress blue uniform, visits the cemetery, plays "Taps" on his bugle in a wreath-laying ceremony along the Susquehanna River, then attends Artsfest, where he looks for presents for his granddaughter.

Ford said he couldn't figure out why the officer was questioning his service. Ford hadn't claimed any war heroics and his uniform bore no combat medals.

"What am I trying to do?" Ford said. "Impersonate a lance corporal who never served in combat?"

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/harrisburg_artsfest_veteran_st.html#incart_river

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/harrisburg_mayor_stolen_valor.html#incart_m-rpt-2

The article said they thought he was a fake because his hat had wrinkles (...uhmm, it may have been 50 years old) and because his belt was too nice. After the third confrontation, the Marine refused to answer any more questions, which set off the cop.

Newspaper editorial demands apology:

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/stolen_valor_not_tolerated_edi.html#incart_m-rpt-2

[malthaussen]

1. There won't be an apology, either.

They've already released their decision that the officer "did duty" in this case. Why am I not surprised? Mr Ford is probably lucky he wasn't tased or worse... on the unsupported word of a hothead.

-- Mal

[shenmue]

2. Jerks

[frylock]

3. the mayor and chief of police seem to be clueless as to the power of social media..

this thing is blowing up, and these idiot assholes are going to be eating words and issuing apologies so fast it will make your head spin.

[JPZenger]

4. They are still screwing this up

If the Mayor had issued a quick, personal and direct apology, this story would have been over quickly. Not happening.

The Police Chief sort of apologizes - in a passing remark during a speech. The Mayor says he is going to have a meeting with the Marine to apologize. However, the Mayor announces the intent to meet to the media in a way that makes the Marine believe that the Mayor is blaming him. As a result, the Marine cancelled the meeting.