After nearly 20 years, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has changed course and is taking down the U.S. flags installed on the overpasses in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and local residents are outraged.
The government agency explained its decision in a statement on its Facebook page.
“The New Jersey Turnpike Authority appreciates and applauds patriotism. We try to express patriotism ourselves every day by maintaining dozens of American flags at properties in our right of way — office buildings, toll plazas, service areas, maintenance facilities, State Police buildings, warehouses,” the statement read.
“Those flags are treated with the utmost respect by Turnpike Authority personnel. They are flown on suitable staffs. They are illuminated at night. They are lowered to half-staff when the state is in mourning. They are removed, properly destroyed, and promptly replaced when they become faded or worn and are no longer suitable symbols of our national ideals,” it continued.
“The long-standing policy of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority has been to prohibit the display of any flags, signs, or banners by private parties on Turnpike Authority property. While we appreciate the desire of some New Jersey residents to express their patriotism in these turbulent times by displaying flags on Turnpike and Parkway overpasses, Turnpike Authority regulations do not allow it, and for good reason,” the statement said.
The statement went on to explain that the agency would not continue maintaining the flags, so they would have to be taken down.
“While we hope that everyone who wants to display the American flag finds a suitable location to do so, we believe that limiting the flags displayed on Turnpike Authority property to ones hung and maintained by Turnpike Authority staff is the best way to assure that all flags in the Turnpike and Parkway right of way are treated with the respect they deserve,” the statement concluded.
In some cases, officials replaced the U.S. flags with a sign that read, “Placement of signage or items of any nature on this structure is strictly prohibited.”
Residents are defiant
One town has decided that it will defy the decision and put the flags back up. In a Facebook group called “Replacing American Flags,” residents of Robbinsville Township say they have the support of the mayor to replace the flags.
“With the full support of Mayor Dave Fried, we plan to re-hang the American flags on the overpasses throughout Robbinsville Township,” read the page.
The residents say they plan to replace the flags on Friday, Sept. 11, the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Here’s a news report about the overpass flags in New Jersey:
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Woodbridge Flag Man
www.youtube.com
What else would you expect from the “officials” in the Kommunist Republik of New Jersey?! They have much in common with the Kommunist SCUMBAGS in The Subversive Government of New York and The Peoples Republik of Kalifornia!!! THE WHOLE LOT OF THEM NEED TO BE PUBLICLY HUNG!!!
Maybe they are getting ready for the red flags. Cancel culture my a**. I am a veteran. I stand for the flag and my pledge includes under god. Hey professional athletes – go ahead kneel for the flag. You just gave me another reason not to watch sports games. Professional athletes should be setting an example especially for the young fans that look up to you. You are paid to compete not protest.If you want to protest quit the sports and support your beliefs on your own time!
At least in cali we can put flags up, there are several overpasses that have flags up that people have hung up. What is going on with new jersey is that they have crossed the line and have gone full commie on everything you can’t even own a gun in that state.
It is so hard to comprehend this action. The American Flag is a Beautiful Precious part of our heritage
Shame on the New Jersey State Government. Next will be no eating 🥓
Guess they hoping the Demonic Crats take over so that they can hang their COMMUNIST flags up, so that the state residents know that they now have absolutely no more rights or freedom.