Veterans are standing watch over a temporary Christian flag display at the city's Veteran's Memorial. Their intent is to guard it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until an October 23rd rally. The battle over King's hometown values began when the city council voted in September to remove the memorial's permanent Christian flag, in response to possible lawsuits from the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.
King's concerned citizens fired back with protests, walks, rallies and public displays of the Christian flag in homes, businesses and on cars. Monday past was officially declared "Christian Flag Day" for this town of nearly 7,000.
The city's attorney advised council members to remove the flag after citing potential lawsuit costs at anywhere from $200,000 to $300,000. Americans United for the Separation of Church and State says it was a local Afghanistan war vet that filed the complaint. He is, reportedly, now asking for the removal of another monument at the park - a wooden silhouette of a kneeled praying soldier next to a cross. Executive Director of Americans United Rev. Barry Lynn says the courts have repeatedly ruled that the government cannot favor one religion belief over others.
Another public hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 11th at 6 p.m. at King Elementary School. Meanwhile, Rolling Thunder motorcyclists, citizens, veterans and teens will be on watch, this weekend, over the temporary Christian flag display at the memorial.
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