Carol Horner, chairwoman of the Celebrate CB board, said the move to deny the group’s float application was made after complaints were received last year from parents and veterans alike, who expressed concern regarding the veterans group’s depiction of a soldier in a “tiger cage” cell. Horner, who is the daughter of a Vietnam veterans,  said organizers erred by not realizing the importance of the imagery behind the float.

Ben Wiese of Glenwood, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 798, said he was sincerely pleased with the board’s apology, which he graciously accepted. The board’s decision to deny the Vietnam veterans’ float sparked a protest, as several groups pulled out of the parade to stage a small demonstration Saturday afternoon in Bayliss Park.

Outrage against the board’s decision also spurred citizens to make angry emails, phone calls and voicemails to members of the Celebrate CB board and subcommittees. One board member was also allegedly threatened. Wiese says those types of actions are not acceptable, and they in no way meant for their protest over being excluded from the parade to present a danger to anyone.

Carol Horner  said she would like to see the debate become a teaching moment, working with veterans to help educate students about the true nature of the Vietnam War and the hardships endured by soldiers returning home.

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The text of the letter is as follows: “It is with great humility that the Celebrate CB Board offers an earnest apology to the veterans, members of the armed forces, police and fire departments and residents of Council Bluffs. Our board never meant to exclude, harm or separate our war heroes. The mission of Celebrate CB is to celebrate our city and take pride in our community.

We recognize the importance and sacrifices our veterans made for our freedom. We obviously failed in our recognition of those who served our great nation, and we ask for compassion regarding our actions. Veterans all over the country make up the fabric of being America strong. Please accept our deepest apology. It would be our honor to work and learn from our veterans, members of the armed forces, police and fire departments and those citizens who have a genuine interest in making our great city of Council Bluffs even greater.

Sincerely, The Celebrate CB board”