Another lost cause for the ACLU: Vets' memorial in Tarheel State survives attack
Mayor of King, NC, adopts ADF policy, citizens’ right to honor veterans according to city tradition
Wednesday, Nov 3, 2010
KING, N.C. — The city of King will adopt a policy crafted by the Alliance Defense Fund that will preserve its citizens’ right to honor U.S. veterans through a display consisting of 11 flagpoles, which was attacked by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The city council of King voted Monday to commission ADF to craft a “limited public forum” policy that protects the rights of citizens to honor local traditions at a public veterans memorial in a city park.
“The far left agenda of organizations like the ACLU should not squelch the right of citizens to honor U.S. veterans in the way that they see fit,” said ADF Senior Counsel Joseph Infranco. “The ACLU’s latest attack on religious symbols and expression in the public square is a slap in the face to local veterans, who say it dishonors the fallen warriors who the memorial is meant to celebrate. The city council’s adoption of our policy will ensure that its citizens will be allowed to honor American heroes free of unwarranted censorship.”
After receiving a threatening letter from the ACLU--as well as one from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State--about the inclusion of a Christian flag at a veterans memorial located in a public park in the city of King, the city council removed the flag to investigate options. Following that investigation, the city announced its intention to continue its practice of honoring its veterans through a new policy. Numerous residents from the city of King rallied and protested against the ACLU demand to alter their memorial. In response to citizen concerns, the city council commissioned ADF attorneys to craft a “limited public forum” policy that allows the citizens of King, rather than city officials, to choose the flag to be displayed on a rotating basis.
“Because the ACLU is up to its old tactics of suing and angering more veterans, we are presenting a new policy to clean up their mess. This policy is supported by sound law, and we are confident that the clear and straightforward guidelines will allow King’s citizens to freely honor their veterans,” Infranco added. “We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure citizens can honor the traditions and values of the community in a way that honors and respects the law as it now stands.”
“The far left agenda of organizations like the ACLU should not squelch the right of citizens to honor U.S. veterans in the way that they see fit,” said ADF Senior Counsel Joseph Infranco. “The ACLU’s latest attack on religious symbols and expression in the public square is a slap in the face to local veterans, who say it dishonors the fallen warriors who the memorial is meant to celebrate. The city council’s adoption of our policy will ensure that its citizens will be allowed to honor American heroes free of unwarranted censorship.”
After receiving a threatening letter from the ACLU--as well as one from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State--about the inclusion of a Christian flag at a veterans memorial located in a public park in the city of King, the city council removed the flag to investigate options. Following that investigation, the city announced its intention to continue its practice of honoring its veterans through a new policy. Numerous residents from the city of King rallied and protested against the ACLU demand to alter their memorial. In response to citizen concerns, the city council commissioned ADF attorneys to craft a “limited public forum” policy that allows the citizens of King, rather than city officials, to choose the flag to be displayed on a rotating basis.
“Because the ACLU is up to its old tactics of suing and angering more veterans, we are presenting a new policy to clean up their mess. This policy is supported by sound law, and we are confident that the clear and straightforward guidelines will allow King’s citizens to freely honor their veterans,” Infranco added. “We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure citizens can honor the traditions and values of the community in a way that honors and respects the law as it now stands.”
- Pronunciation guide: Infranco (in-FRANK’-oh)
ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. Launched in 1994, ADF employs a unique combination of strategy, training, funding, and litigation to protect and preserve religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family.