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San Joaquin supervisors split on commemorative flags after hours of public comment; POW/MIA and Pride flag votes advance
Summary
After more than three hours of public comment and debate, the Board of Supervisors approved flying the POW/MIA flag and the Pride flag on specified dates, while opening a broader discussion of a permanent flag policy. The meeting included passionate testimony from veterans, veterans’ advocates and LGBTQ+ residents.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on June 17 approved two separate measures allowing commemorative flags to be flown on county property after a long public hearing that drew hundreds of speakers. The board voted 5-0 to permit the POW/MIA flag (item 3) under conditions discussed during the meeting, and 4-1 to allow the Pride flag (item 6) to be flown on a date requested by community groups.
The board’s action followed a lengthy public comment period in which dozens of speakers described the flags as symbols of recognition for different communities. Supporters of the Pride flag said public visibility can reduce social isolation and save lives; opponents said flying flags other than the U.S. flag risks division. Several veterans’ speakers urged that the POW/MIA flag be flown in accordance with…
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