Patriots Flag Will Fly Under U.S. Flag Again In Foxborough

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The selectmen voted unanimously to fly the New England Patriots flag at Foxborough Common below the American flag. Town officials had taken down the flag temporarily to look for a compromise with a local military veteran who was upset about the flag being flown there.

Last June, Ronald Rogers, from the Access to Public Lands and Waters, a nonprofit group in Foxborough, voiced objections to the Patriots flag being flown along the U.S. flag, calling it an advertisement violating flag code. In a letter to the board, Rogers said he represented a group of veterans that felt the same way. The letter read:

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) states in part 'advertising signs should not be fastened to the staff or lanyard from which the US flag is flown.'

Not all of the town's veterans were in agreement though. Robert Murphy, a Vietnam veteran who lives on Comey Avenue, said the group of veterans upset about the Patriots flag was small. He told the selectmen at last week's meeting he doesn't believe it violates flag code, and that it doesn't hold a lot of importance, saying no one will go to jail over it.

"For some reason a couple of one, one of whom I don't believe lives in Foxborough, say it's against flag code," Murphy said. "My opinion is that banner ought to be able to fly under the American Flag. I'm not looking for it all the time but just when the game is in town just to show a little pride in the New England Patriots."

Murphy went on to say that the Patriots flag flying in the common is a symbol of pride for Foxborough. He said he was in Scotland last year, and when he told a man he was from Foxborough, the first thing out of the man's mouth was the New England Patriots.

"It's all over the world," Murphy said. "People know that Foxborough is the home of the Patriots. I just think that we should be able to show a little pride in the Patriots and let that banner fly."

Assistant Town Manager Michael Johns said flying the flag may not sit well with everyone, but it's an acceptable display and doesn't violate flag code. Johns, the towns former Veterans Services director, said he does believe flag code has significant meaning.

"Just to correct the record, the flag code does mean a lot," he said. "It offers guidance and it's important. People who served in the military hold the flag in a very special place in their heart because they wore it on their sleeve."

Still, Johns said the flag at the common is just one of many on town property. He said the official government flagpole is in front of Town Hall.