MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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July 12, 2009

Civic Center is not only place for display

Two flags are waving, and that should suffice.

Local veterans pressed Muskogee City Council to restore a flagpole and flags in front of the Civic Center following the renovation of the facility more than a year ago.

A flagpole was originally in the works, but increasing construction costs and limited funds put off reinstalling the display. In the meantime, an out-on-context comment about American flags “not fitting in” with Civic Center “plans” was made, which understandably upset veterans.

The pole and U.S. and state flags were restored before the July 4th holiday, but veterans say the display should also include the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag.

Almost everyone is sympathetic to veterans and favors displays of patriotism. We mean no disrespect to those who have served in the military, but as some councilors have asked, how many flags are supposed to be displayed and which one or what other monument will be required next?

When the Civic Center was renovated, it wasn’t renovated in mind with a war memorial display, which some veterans had advocated. A citizen’s group for downtown development had conducted a survey and found that Muskogee residents favored a farmer’s market and a venue for outdoor music. The City Council only approved what residents said they wanted.

That doesn’t mean citizens or council are against a veterans display. It can be put elsewhere. There is no dictate that says it has to be in front of the Civic Center.

When the flags issue came up, we proposed that Muskogee reserve part of a city park for a war memorial display, as many towns have in parks or courthouse yards, complete with as many statues, monuments and flags that the city and veteran organizations want to display.

Patriotism is not limited to flags, certain actions or one location, and the location doesn’t have to be the Civic Center.

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