Sound Off: Too Many Politicians at Aly Raisman Rally?
Some have said the event featured too little of the Olympic gymnast and should have offered more for the kids.
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Needham celebrated its local Olympian with a huge parade and rally on Sunday, Aug. 26, featuring music, words from local officials and the gymnast herself. And while many people seemed to enjoy the event, some have said they felt the program featured too many politicans and too little of Aly.
At a few points throughout the rally at Memorial Park, members of the crowd who were waiting to hear Raisman speak let out a collective sigh as more songs were performed and speakers were introduced.
And at least one Needham Patch reader felt the event should have offered more for the kids.
"They should have had children speak on what Aly's triumph meant to them and allow Aly to answer the children's questions. Isn't this what its all about?" the reader wrote in the comments section under a story about the rally, noting that there was a lot of political "grandstanding."
So what do you think? Did you enjoy the parade and rally for Aly Raisman? What would you have changed, added or removed from the event? Were too many politicians involved, or was it just right? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
IheartNeedham
6:24 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
YES! Jerry Wasserman and the other politicians needed to step away from the microphone....I was standing in the back of the crowd and everyone around me was 'booing' the politicians! What on earth does a piece of Dedham Pottery and making Aly a Deputy Sheriff have to do with her Olympic medals? This day was for Aly, her family and the children....not a baton twirling team from Belchertown and other dancers...we wanted to hear from Aly....she was overshadowed by politicians!
bob littman
6:27 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
I commend the town planners and the hard work and dedication it took to arrange for the Aly Raisman tribute. My wife and I, however, were disappointing with the general protocol and after the fourth politician had his (her) say, we departed because the mid day sun was making us uncomfortable. As for Aly, we couldn't be more excited for her and the inspiration she has provided to so many young aspiring athletes. We could have liked to hear her ruminate just a little about her experiences, but I guess they just ran out of time.
Sarah
6:55 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Maybe after she gets back from her tour, the elementary schools could arrange something or students or classes could practice different skills like writing letters to her asking questions. I did not have any issues with what took place.
Tony Higgins
8:42 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012
Is it true we will be voting in November to rename the town AlyVille? I think it's a little overkill.
Avon Barksdale
12:04 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I'm sure that when Aly was performing in London, her primary motivation was to win gold for The Citizens Of Needham. You know, all the people who came out and watched all of her youth gymnastics meets.