Franklin will maintain flags at Veterans Memorial on Highway 100 after commission vote

The City Commission unanimously authorized the city to maintain and, if needed, purchase flags that fly at the Veterans Memorial on Highway 100.

Sheila Lillard, quartermaster of local VFW Post 5706, told commissioners the post and its commander support displaying the American flag, the state flag and flags representing each U.S. military branch at the memorial. “To see the representation of all the branches of service and our state flag and O’Glory flying would be a positive … impact to our community,” Lillard said.

Commission discussion focused on the order of flags, lighting for flagpoles (the water‑plant pole was raised as a separate issue), and ensuring the city would not surprise veterans by changing displays. City staff noted an applicable order of flags and said nine poles fit the proposed plan. Commissioners moved to authorize the city to take over the existing non‑American flags on Highway 100, purchase any flags that are needed, and continue maintenance as required. They also asked staff to investigate the flag display at the water plant and whether the pole has lighting for night display.

Motion and outcome

A commissioner moved and the motion was seconded; the Commission voted unanimously to approve city maintenance and flag procurement for the nine poles at the Veterans Memorial. Commissioners also asked staff to include the water plant flag in the review and to confirm required flag lighting.

Quotations in this article are taken from the meeting record and attributed to speakers in the listed speaker roster.