Patriots Flag May Not Fly Below U.S. Flag In Foxborough

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The selectmen are looking for a compromise with a local military veteran upset about the New England Patriots flag being flown below the U.S. flag at Foxborough Common. For several years, town officials have flown the Patriots flag in the common the weeks of Patriots home games and before and after Super Bowl victories as a symbol of Foxborough's identity.

Two weeks ago, in a letter to the editor, Ronald Rogers, from the Access to Public Lands and Waters, a nonprofit group in Foxborough, voiced objections to the flag being flown along the U.S. flag, calling it an advertisement violating flag code. In his letter, Rogers said he represents a "sizable and growing number of military veterans" in Foxborough and the greater area who feel the same way. In the letter, Rogers said:

We certainly understand the bond between the town and the Patriots organization. We are very good for each other! However, we feel strongly that the town has shown disrespect to the American Flag, our Veterans, first responders and anyone that honors the values that this great country stands for! In the US flag code, section 8, paragraph (i) is states in part 'advertising signs should not be fastened to the staff or lanyard from which the US flag is flown.'

At Tuesday's meeting, Town Manager William Keegan and every member of the board of selectmen said they have no interests in disrespecting the military or the U.S. flag.

"None of us here have any interest in doing things negative towards the flag," Keegan said.

Keegan said the town has had a few complaints, but not many, and disagreed that this was a violation of flag code. Selectwoman Leah Gibson also disagreed that the Patriots flag was an advertisement.

"I don’t view the Patriots flag as an advertisement, I view it as part of the community," she said.

Keegan and the board said they understood where Rogers was coming from though, and Selectman Mark Elfman said Rogers wrote an "outstanding" letter. Keegan proposed a compromise, which the selectmen voted unanimously to pursue.

Keegan proposed instead of flying the Patriots flag in the common during home games, the town hang New England Patriots and Foxborough High School banners on the light posts throughout Foxborough center. Rogers was open to the idea.

"Banners would be great if they’re not on common. Otherwise they're doing the same thing," Rogers said.

Keegan said the town would have to make sure the New England Patriots are okay with the town using the logo in this way, and that the flag in the common was never something the Krafts had asked the town to do. He said it was put up as a gesture by the town. If an alternative can be found, the flag, which wouldn't be flying again until September, won't be be put back up.