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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Group Plans 24/7 Vigil At Empty Flag Pole

Protesters Plan To Guard Veterans Memorial Site

POSTED: 4:07 pm EDT September 23, 2010
UPDATED: 4:38 pm EDT September 23, 2010
A group of Stokes County residents said Thursday they plan to stake out the Veterans Memorial every hour of every day for the next month, ensuring that a Christian flag is being displayed at the site.A group of about 10 people were displaying the flag at the site Thursday. King City Council members voted last week to remove the flag after determining that fighting a potential lawsuit wasn't worth it.The 24/7 vigil is being organized by Ray Martini, a Vietnam War veteran. By Thursday afternoon, a tent had been erected to provide shelter.Members of the community have vehemently opposed the removal of the flag, staging a rally on Monday evening attended by several hundred in the community. Many residents have been scurrying to buy Christian flags to display on homes and cars. A local Christian retailer said Wednesday they haven't been able to keep up with the demand.An anonymous man complained to City Manager John Cater earlier this summer, saying that flying the flag was unconstitutional. Cater then received a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union charging that flying the flag on public property violates the Constitution.The man refused to identify himself, saying he fears for his family, home and business. He has said he is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.The man said earlier this week that he also wants a cross removed from a small display at the site that shows a soldier kneeling at the grave of a fallen comrade.Martini said someone will be stationed at the site to ensure that the cross isn't removed.

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