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Follow-up: Never Forget Demonstration by RI Veterans
Photo: John Cianci’s Facebook page
Sunday morning beginning at 8:30am veterans, family members, and supporters from Rhode Island and the local area, arrived at Allie’s Donuts in North Kingstown. They were there to set up a demonstration and call for boycotting of Allie’s after the owner removed a discount for police, first responders, military, and veterans as his way of saying that his business supported “Black Lives Matter” – “Until police take action to solve the problems with racism and injustice, Allie’s Donuts will stand with the people of our great state.”
The group of veterans, upset at how honoring black lives took the form that it did, organized under “Never Forget” on Facebook. On that page they shared their concerns and planned the get together.
They also posted information recognizing both Flag Day, and the first African American to earn the Medal of Honor, William Carney, who enlisted to fight in the Civil War “to rid the world of oppression”. Carney served in the Union Army and was assigned to Company C, 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry Regiment along with 40 other African American men. This was the first official black unit fighting on behalf of the North. During the last battle he would fight, “with the US flag in his hand, Carney crawled up to the walls of Fort Wagner while motivating his fellow troops to follow his lead. He managed to plant his flag at the base of the fort and angled it upright for display”. He would die in that battle and the Medal of Honor was presented, posthumously, on May 23, 1900.
Cianci notes how many minority men and women honorably serve in the three groups Allie’s has “insulted by their actions”.
“Allies Donuts can keep their discount. Thousands of Veterans, families, and supporters will “NEVER FORGET” the actions of Allie’s Donuts. Simply put, we will BOYCOTT this business establishment under the current ownership,” said John Cianci, retired U.S. Army, disabled combat veteran. Cianci is a combat veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and is a Bronze Star recipient, and has received other military awards.
“It’s not about the discount. It’s about the content of Allie’s Donuts message and the singling out of local police, first responders, and military.”
Since that time the controversy has gone national questioning the action taken in support of the cause of racial equity, by eliminating the support for all first responders, military, and veterans.
More support…
Spirito’s Restaurant: Locally, a few other restaurants and businesses are offering first responder discounts, notably, Spiritos Restaurant in Providence: “Spiritos Restaurant in Providence will offer Firefighter, Police and Military a 10% discount on all dine in and take out items (not on liquor).
Scrub a Dub Car Wash is also offeringg free car washes for first responders, with ID.
“Donut Challenge“: A grandmother, Tami, and her granddaughter (who is just finishing 2nd grade) started a “Donut Challenge” after Allie’s announced their discount was ending. Originally they were going to make donuts and distribute them to police, fire and National Guard units. She mentioned it on Facebook and received many donations supporting the effort. Knowing that a new donut shop in town, Master Donut, on Post Road in North Kingstown, was struggling to stay open during the crisis, Tami arranged for them to make dozens of donuts for the effort. So far, Tami and her granddaughter have distributed hundreds of dozens of donuts around the state… police, fire and the National Guard units. They visited Governor Raimondo to give her donuts for the RI Capitol police. The Governor accepted in person. Her granddaughter also asked the governor to “pray” with her for the 1st responders and the military…. which the governor did, and offered her a symbolic hug.
From organizer John Cianci, to Sunday participants:
To All,
Our message of support of our Veterans, troops, and all first responders was received loud and clear..
A few minor incidents:
1. An 80 year old Veteran getting out of his car accosted by two members wearing BLM T-shirts. These individuals knock his glasses off and took his hat; the incident was witnessed by radio host John Depetro, who is doing a fundraiser to replace the Veteran s glasses, which were broke.
2. In the early morning , I had a car approach me, telling me my plate information has been noted, and they will be tracking me down.
3. Later in the day while protesting, I had a red truck attempt to run me down; only damage, was to flag pole I was holding.
Highlight of the event, 92 year Vietnam Veteran was one of the first. He was just released yesterday from VA for a minor stroke. He communicated his passion of support and how Allie’s Donut statements reminded him of feelings of when he returned from Vietnam.
Another touching moment, was the 89 year old mother of son who is still serving and stationed at the Pentagon. Her son called me yesterday to give me “heads up” his Mom was coming.
In conclusion, great support of local police, veterans, and their families. Moreover, nice media coverage from numerous outlets; channel 10, 12, internet new coverage, and numerous radio stations, too.
God Bless America!
John A. Cianci
