New Jersey’s Verona.Concerns regarding compliance with the federal flag code and New Jersey state law controlling flag displays on public buildings were raised after a Juneteenth flag was flown at Verona Town Hall on Monday morning in lieu of the American flag.
A lot of people are only wondering, “Why?”
Verona observed Juneteenth, a federal holiday honoring the abolition of slavery in the United States, with a flag-raising ceremony outside Town Hall at 600 Bloomfield Avenue. The community organized a ceremony and assembly with the sixth-grade class from H.B. Whitehorne Middle School in spite of the continuous rain.
During the celebration, the Juneteenth flag was raised in place of the American flag, according to a post from the township. However, unless it is a part of a properly approved display protocol, the American flag cannot be replaced on government property by another flag in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code and New Jersey law.
There was no sign of the American flag.
The American flag should be accorded reverence and should not be replaced by other flags, according to the U.S. Flag Code, even though it is only a recommendation. Statutes in New Jersey authorize the flying of other flags, such as the state or commemorative flags, but they forbid the flying of the U.S. flag in these situations.
Ceremony featured local officials and school participation
Councilwomen Christine McGrath and Cynthia Holland, members of the NAACP Oranges & Maplewood Branch, and employees from Representative LaMonica McIver’s office attended the ceremony, which featured words by Mayor Tamburro. H.B. Whitehorne employees and students also took part.
Regarding if correct flag protocol was followed during the flag replacement, Verona officials have not responded. Residents can read Mayor Tamburro’s entire remarks at the event on the town’s official website.
