A misunderstanding over nearly 100 American flags placed around Newland by former mayor Derek Roberts has been clarified by a member of the town’s governing board. Earlier social media reports suggested town leaders were questioning the display and that police had contacted Roberts, but Board of Aldermen member Vicki Caraway said the situation was mischaracterized.
Caraway explained the issue stemmed from communication about patriotic banners the town plans to reinstall on its own light poles for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Those banners had been removed earlier for Christmas decorations and are expected to return later this month after winter weather passes.
In the meantime, Roberts installed the American flags on Mountain Electric poles, which are not owned by the town. Because the poles are not municipal property, the town did not need to grant permission for the display.
Caraway said the town would not remove the flags and that officials support the display, which honors troops and marks the upcoming anniversary. The flags, placed throughout town, were donated by the VFW, purchased by Roberts, and contributed by private citizens. Police contacted Roberts only to confirm which poles held the flags. The display is expected to remain in place until Roberts decides to remove it.