(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A parade float meant to celebrate the heroes of 9/11 has drawn mixed reactions, with some people saying a mockup of the Twin Towers with smoking holes was not appropriate.
The Valparaiso Republican Party ran the float through the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival on Saturday, which fell on the 20th anniversary of the terror attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
The flatbed trailer carried a model of the World Trade Center with smoke pouring out of a hole in each tower. The Northwest Indiana Times obtained a video of some spectators incredulous at the sight.
Some commenters on social media give the effort a thumbs-down, while others supported using the image as a way to celebrate patriotism. Either way, photos and video of the creation have gone viral across the country.
The GOP organization posted a statement Monday on Facebook saying it meant no disrespect.
“Our Popcorn Festival float was inspired by the courage and sacrifice of those we lost on September 11, 2001,” it said. “We felt it important, considering the parade coincided with the 20th anniversary of that horrible day.”
The 9/11 tribute received an honorable mention from parade organizers.
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