NORTHPORT, N.Y. — The mayor of this Long Island village ordered the removal of Pride flags from lamp posts after complaints from a local veterans group about their placement above Hometown Heroes banners honoring military service members.
Mayor Donna Koch directed the removal of the Pride flags following a letter from Northport American Legion Commander William McKenna expressing concerns over the flags hanging above the veterans' tribute banners in Northport Village Park. The flags had been displayed for several years with village approval, but this year coincided with the new installation of the Hometown Heroes banners.
McKenna stated that the issue was not opposition to the Pride flags themselves. He objected specifically to their position relative to the veterans' banners, according to reports.
"I had the Pride flags removed. It had nothing to do with my feelings about the Pride community. I support them 100%. I also support our veterans," Koch said.
The dispute prompted backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates. Northport Pridefest Organization leaders described seeking a fair solution after the flags were taken down.
At a packed village board meeting on Tuesday, officials announced a compromise. Half of the Pride flags and half of the veterans' banners were removed or relocated, with the remaining displays separated onto different lamp posts and a smaller fence. The village agreed to cover the cost of hardware for additional flag installations on unused light posts.
Pride flags have been part of the village's Pride Month observances for four years. The Hometown Heroes banner program, featuring photos and tributes to local veterans, launched this year and is scheduled to run from May through November.
Organizers and village officials indicated that both sets of displays would continue, but not overlapping on the same poles. As of Thursday, Pride flags were to be hung on vacant flagpoles at Village Hall as part of the resolution.
The village has not reported any further changes or additional incidents related to the displays. Both the Pridefest organization and veterans' representatives have expressed support for honoring all community members.
