Northport Removes Pride Flags After Veterans Object to Placement Above Hometown Heroes Banners
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 18
Northport Removes Pride Flags After Veterans Object to Placement Above Hometown Heroes Banners
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 18
Summary
Northport officials took down some Pride flags after the local American Legion complained they were hung above "Hometown Heroes" banners honoring military veterans.
Mayor Donna Koch said the move was about placement, not opposition to the LGBTQ community, and veterans' representatives argued the higher display diminished the recognition intended for those who served.
Pridefest treasurer Jeff Cusick called the decision offensive and said the veterans' banner program controls lamp posts from May through November, leaving little public space for other groups.
Village officials and organizers have since agreed to separate the displays, with removed Pride flags set to be rehung on vacant Village Hall poles at a Tuesday meeting and the village covering hardware costs.