Dear Editor:
Our organization is troubled by a photograph published in The Hoboken Reporter on March 11 and the Hudson Current, March 8, showing three revelers from the St. Patrick’s Day parade mounted atop our Elk statue. Not only was this a dangerous thing to do (the revelers could’ve fallen off the Elk and been seriously hurt), it also shows a blatant disrespect for our charitable mission.
For over 100 years now the Hoboken Elks has benefited the lives of the people in our community. Among other things the Elks helps handicapped children, sponsors athletic activities and scholarships for local youth, raises awareness in the fight against drugs and comforts our nation’s veterans in their time of need. Because we care deeply about these causes, we resent having our symbol mocked publicly like this.
Perhaps the Hoboken Reporter could have thought twice before publishing a photograph of the revelers on the Elk, especially since the caption: “WHOA! Three St. Pat’s revelers topped off a fun-filled day by climbing upon the sculpture outside the Elks’ Lodge on Washington Street,” gives the impression that the Reporter condones such careless and immature acts.
John Bredin, Exalted Ruler
And the members of the Hoboken Elks