THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS

JOINT COMMITTEE ON VETERANS & FEDERAL AFFAIRS

Room 173, State House, Boston, MA  02133-1054 Tel. (617) 722-2877 – Fax (617) 722-9278

REPRESENTATIVE ANTHONY J. VERGA                               SENATOR STEPHEN M. BREWER

5^TH ESSEX DISTRICT                                                                     Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, & Franklin

House Chair                                                                                      Senate Chair

BREWER AND VERGA REQUEST A HALT TO FLAG

AND BANNER REMOVALS OVER HIGHWAYS

BOSTON–Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) and Representative Anthony J. Verga (D-Gloucester), Chairmen of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, announced today their strong support for the continued presence of flags and banners over highways memorializing our brave servicemembers.   

“Removing these flags and banners over the highways is a bad idea,” Senator Brewer said. “We are at war and there are brave men and women out there who are bearing great sacrifices to serve our nation.  While memorials over highways should be properly installed to ensure public safety, these flags and banners are a necessary reminder that there are U.S. soldiers honorably fighting a war overseas.”

“These memorials represent a love for those who have made a strong commitment to democracy.  This dedication should not be taken lightly, nor should it be taken down,” said Representative Verga.

Senator Brewer and Representative Verga sent a letter today to Governor Deval Patrick; Lt. Governor Tim Murray; Bernard Cohen, Secretary of Transportation; and Luisa Paiewonsky, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Highway Department, voicing their strong opposition to MassHighway’s decision to remove flags and banners over highways.  In addition, the Chairmen have offered assistance in developing a plan to safely secure flags and banners over highways.    

###