FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2018
Erin Stevens
Public Information Officer
estevens@concordma.gov
978-318-3052
Patriots Day Activity
CONCORD, MA – The Proud Boys of New England has been issued a permit for a Free Speech Rally on April 16th at 3:00PM. The permit allows the group to meet at one of the designated First Amendment “Free Speech” areas at the Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord. The permit was issued by the National Park Service as Minuteman National Historical Park is National Park Land. The National Park Service collaborated with the Concord Police Department and at 12:30PM on Tuesday April 10th, issued the permit. The permit allows the group to be onsite from 3:00PM until 6:00PM.
The group requested the permit under the first amendment of the United States Constitution which grants all citizens the rights to freedom of speech. As custodians of land owned by the American people, the National Park Service has a responsibility to make that land available for exercising those rights. The Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 1.5, 1.7, 2.51, and 2.52), the Director’s Orders on Special Park Use and the Management Policies of the National Park Service all provide clear guidance on First Amendment activities in the parks.
The safety and security of our Concord citizens and visitors is paramount; the Concord Police Department and National Park Service are working together to create a plan to ensure the safety of all who visit the Minuteman National Historical Park on Patriot’s Day.
“The Concord Police Department and our law enforcement partners are working to ensure a safe day for all” stated Chief O’Connor, “The Old North Bridge and Minuteman National Historical Park are treasured by our community and nation, we ask all who are visiting to be respectful of this special place.”
The Town of Concord supports the right to assemble and the right to free speech. The Town, the Concord Police Department, and the National Park Service are working together so that the gathering goes smoothly.
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