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VETERANS' GROUPS IRATE OVER REMOVAL OF POW-MIA
FLAG DURING CEREMONY -- The flap over the
removal of
the POW-MIA flag during an Indian Independence
Day celebration continues, with demands from
local
veterans groups for an apology from the mayor.
For more on POW-MIA issues, use the VA Watchdog
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Story here...
http://www.thnt.com/apps/
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/NEWS01/708170439
Story below:
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Veterans groups demand apology
POW-MIA flag removed in ceremony
By RITU JHA
STAFF WRITER
rjha@thnt.com
EDISON — The flap over the removal of the POW-MIA flag during an Indian
Independence Day celebration Wednesday continued Thursday with demands
from local veterans groups for an apology from the mayor.
Meanwhile, township officials learned they had violated flag etiquette
in raising the flag of India beneath the American flag during the
celebration of the 60th anniversary of India's independence.
Flag etiquette requires that all flags of sovereign nations be displayed
on individual flag poles at the same height if the nations are at peace
with each other.
"The flag etiquette used Wednesday was the same that has been used in
previous years in this township. It was not proper," Mayor Jun Choi said
in a statement relased late Thursday afternoon. "Moving forward, we will
implement and maintain proper flag etiquette throughout Edison
Township."
Veterans groups were concerned with the temporary relocation of the
POW-MIA flag from the Veteran's Memorial in front of the Municipal
Complex.
"Everybody in the township understands an apology is coming from the
mayor," said James Kukor, finance officer and membership chair for the
American Legion Post 324 Clara Barton.
"There was never any intention to disrespect or dishonor veterans or any
group of people," Choi said in his statement Thursday afternoon. "We
have enormous respect for the tremendous sacrifices made by our veterans
and the servicemen and women currently defending our freedoms."
Choi added that the India Independence Day flag raising was intended as
a celebration, "recognizing the proud contributions of one American
group in our community."
Kukor said the American Legion is acknowledged as the leader in flag
etiquette — what can be flown, what cannot be flown, the size of the
flag pole, the size of the flag that could be put on that pole.
Kukor said Choi "didn't even bother to pick up the phone and ask anybody
for their opinion."
"So he's got to come up with some kind of apology, not just lip
service," Kukor said. "We have no problem with the Indian flag being
displayed."
Members of the veterans group do not see this as an ethnic issue, Kukor
said.
Veterans, he said, just take the issue with the fact the POW-MIA flag
was taken down.
He said a representative of the Indian community "could have called us.
We could have loaned our stand or wherever they wanted (for the flag of
India)," Kukor said.
Satish Poondi, spokesman for the Indian Business Association who took
part in the Wednesday celebration, said the association was a guest at
the ceremony and took no role in the arrangements.
"It was a township event. We made no decision on lowering the POW/MIA
flag," Poondi said.
Ritu Jha:
(732) 565-7277;
rjha@thnt.com
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Larry Scott --
