Jul 13, 2012
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Since 2004 the Palmer Lake VFW Post in Brooklyn Park, Minn. has flown Old Glory to show their support for American troops. The flags were posted on five area bridges. But now, the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation has ordered the veterans to remove the flags.
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“This has nothing to do with the American flag,” MnDOT spokesman Kent Barnard told television station KAAL. “It has to do with any objects placed on a bridge. We have to look out for the motorists’ safety. That is our number one concern.”
The flags are attached to the bridges with brackets and transportation officials were concerned the brackets might fall and hit a motorist.
“Something somebody else puts on the bridge could conceivable break loose and fall, and injure somebody,” Barnard told the television station.
Lee Ulferts, a former commander of the VFW Post said it’s unfortunate – and suggested the American flag should have special consideration.
“This is the United States of America, and this is how we show our pride in our country, by flying our flag,” he told KAAL. “We kept that flag in a closet for way too many years, we need to see it, and we need to see it every day.”
Minnesota is not the only state to crack down on flags or roadside memorials.
In January, transportation workers in Maryland sparked controversy when they removed an American flag from a traffic circle. The flag and flag pole were torn down and thrown into the back of a dump truck.
The state highway workers said it was against the law to erect a flag on the circle.
In 2002 the California Dept. of Transportation ordered all U.S. flags removed from freeway overpasses. The decision was made after a federal judge ruled that if U.S. flags were allowed to fly, then other banners and signs must be allowed.
The case involved anti-war protesters who wanted to put up signs alongside American flags.
Caltrans spokesman Dennis Trujillo told the SFGate.com at the time that the state was disappointed.
“We thought the state statutes allowed for the flag to be displayed, but the judge has ruled otherwise.”
In New Jersey a memorial to victims and heroes of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks was removed because it violated rules governing public rights-of-way.
And in 2006 state transportation workers in Massachusetts enforced a ban on banners and flags — citing safety concerns.
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I think we need another civilwar to bring the USA back from this HellHole of let's make everyone happy country.
This makes me want to spend every $ I earn into flags to put on public property
Oh, and objects don't get kicked up by vehicles and throw into windshields…OR,off of state trucks,etc…and fly into other vehicles. This is ONLY @ political correctness…and some of these people need voted OUT…in ALL states who remove it. Next will be crosses and flags at Arlington! Some Muslims may object to having to see it. The leaders of this country have come full circle on the Pathetic scale!
I don't care if your anti war or not dosen't mean you have to be anti American! To fight the battle that your anti war banner go up beside an American Flag and if you're told no then you want the American flag to go as well… wth? The American flag should be given an exemption to this law…. So tired of political correctness… stop worrying about political correctness and worry more about doing the right thing you morons! Pretty sure the ones that are passing these bills never served our great country or had a loved one serve…. UGH! How I hate stupid politicians!
Greetings All! To answer a few of your questions about the flags over 610… The flags have been secured to the bridges with custom made brackets, there has been no failure because these vets check and replace the flags twice a year. Once on Memorial Day and then on Veterans. Yes Mr. Sherry the brackets do belong to the VFW and yes they are maintained. Additionally, Mr Barnard & Mr Sherry, yes, this is about the flags and it is about our country, our military and veterans spilling their blood so that we can fly our flag proudly and with true belief that this great country is worth dying for!
Greetings All! To answer a few of your questions about the flags over 610… The flags have been secured to the bridges with custom made brackets, there has been no failure because these vets check and replace the flags twice a year. Once on Memorial Day and then on Veterans. Yes Mr. Sherry the brackets do belong to the VFW and yes they are maintained. Additionally, Mr Barnard & Mr Sherry, yes, this is about the flags and it is about our country, our military and veterans spilling their blood so that we can fly our flag proudly and with true belief that this great country is worth dying for!
Yes, they were there for 7-8 years with no hint of any safety issue, and according to Mr. Ulferts, MNDOT never examined the existing brackets or offered their own. An exemption doesn't currently exist, but this is clearly a case where goverment needs to just back off and focus on real problems. Besides, even if you put an exemption into law, what might that lead to? Pages of new rules, and an expansion of govenment to regulate and maintain flags? Focus on the roads MNDOT!
Chief Judge John Roberts "It is not our job to protect the people from the consequence of their political choices." Remember this when you VOTE again. I don't like how he handled the Health Dare bill, but he said………………………get off your butts and find out how your leaders are leading and YOU do something about it……………………Contact the Gov. of Minnesota and tell him this is American and this is where we FLY THE FLAG.
Mike, in case you are being sincere, I swore to protect and defend the United States Constitution against all enemy's foreign and domestic…..my Oath ended in "So Help Me God". Jared, it's been there for years if they are worried make a proper flag mount and continue to display Ole Glory. I'm tired of moving my countries banners and flags! Let them shine and be visible to ALL as a reminder of where they are.