Volusia County Not to Fly Flag on Memorial Day
The News-Journal quoted Archie Stephenson as saying, "It's not right. I thing we had about 70 soldiers died just this month and they should be remembered."
Stephenson had lost a nephew in the Gulf War.
Pat Kuehn, spokeswoman for Volusia County, it was not about being patriotic, but finances, according to the News-Journal. Kuehn said, " We appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made. But we just don't have enough money to pay somebody to come out......to raise and lower the flags", as quoted in the article.
The article reported Kuehn said the county does display the flag from sunrise to sunset, in compliance with the federal code.
The News-Journal reported the director of Human Resources in DeLand, Mark Hayward, said that DeLand flies the U.S. flag 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Stephenson was quoted by The News-Journal, "DeLand does it. I don't see why the county can't."
A county north of Volusia, Flagler County, also keeps their flag flying 24/7. It is lit at night, according to The News-Journal. A spokesman for Flagler County reported to The News Journal the flag would be lowered to half mast at sunrise on Memorial Day. At noon, the flag would be raised to full mast. This is proper flag etiquette. There is a ceremony scheduled for 10:00am on Monday.
Tom Collins is a resident of Port Orange, a community south of Daytona Beach. He feels Stephenson is justified in his anger. Collins is a member of the local V.F.W post 3282, according to The News-Journal.
The News-Journal quoted Collins as saying, "It's (Volusia County's) prerogative, but they really should have the flag up." He also commented that the V.F.W. and local malls will be flying their flags.
The News-Journal contacted Volusia County Chairman, Frank Bruno. He told them he didn't know about the policy. The News-Journal reported Bruno said it was too late to change it anyways. The paper reached Bruno late Friday afternoon.
Bruno said Memorial Day would be honored by himself and other county council members. People needed to pass that tradition onto their children, according to The News-Journal.
Bruno was quoted by The News-Journal, "I think that's more important than flying a flag over a building that's closed."
Published by Julie Richards
Richards is a freelance writer living in rural Ohio. She has written numerous e-books on art, real estate and meditation. Richards topic content include gardening, cooking and home improvement. Richards spec... View profile
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5 Comments
Post a CommentUPDATE!!!UPDATE!!!UPDATE!!!
An announcement in The News-Journal, this morning said that after the outrage citizens showed county leaders decided to fly the American flag on Memorial Day.
Frank Bruno said that two security guards on duty will be in charge of the flag on Monday.
The News-Journal reported him as saying that this solution would not cost any extra money fro the county.
Just thought you all might want to know.
JulieAnn
My solution would be to leave the flag at half mast during war time to illustrate a country in mourning for our losses.
Unbelieveable. I bet a call for volunteers would bring people out to run the flag, free of charge.
That's ridiculous. They should be ashamed of themselves. Thanks for the reporting!
Interesting information.