RESOLUTION NO. 2004-____

RESOLUTION REGARDING VANDALISM OF VETERANS' DAY FLAGS
AND EFFORTS TO REPUDIATE ACTIONS OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE

RECITALS:

A. Last Thursday, Veterans' Day, a person or persons, poured cement into the flag holders used to display the American flags that are traditionally used each year to honor our veterans. Fortunately, the quick and clever efforts of Ashland citizens had the holders cleaned out in a matter of hours and the flags were up most of the day.

B. A few of us believe that the American flag is contrary to our religious beliefs. Some find mistreatment of the flag a way to symbolize our displeasure with specific bad policies on the part of our leaders. Many of us oppose violence of any kind. Many more believe only some of America's wars have been justified and others (such as the Iraq War) are unwise and unethical. But almost all of us respect the men and women who have served in the military with the intent of protecting and serving the good interests of our country. Many of them have lost their lives and physical or mental health in that endeavor and, whatever our beliefs about the particular military actions involved, we admire and honor them for their efforts.

THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The Mayor and Council of Ashland, on behalf of all Ashland citizens, resolve to repudiate the actions of those who used this annual ceremonial display intended to honor our service men and women, to pursue some personal agenda. We wish that in addition to whatever punishment they may receive for damaging public property, that every time they recall this act of disrespect they will experience a sense of shame and humiliation.

SECTION 2. This resolution takes effect upon signing by the Mayor.

This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal Code Section 2.04.090 duly

PASSED and ADOPTED this ______day of ______, 2004:
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder

SIGNED and APPROVED this ______day of ______, 2004:
Alan W. DeBoer, Mayor

Reviewed as to form:
Michael W. Franell, City Attorney