Jacksonville honors military service members with flag-raising

5 military branch flags, POW/MIA flag now flown in front of City Hall

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville honored the men and women who serve our country with a flag-raising ceremony Tuesday.

Music from the U.S. Navy Band filled the air as dozens of community members gathered downtown to watch six flags raised at Hemming Park. Five of the flags represent each branch of the military, and a sixth honors prisoners of war and service members missing in action.

Mayor Lenny Curry hosted the ceremony just weeks after he directed the installation of six new flagpoles to display the flags.

"There's been a lot of discussions about what we want our front door, front porch of City Hall to look like. What do we want people to think about, talk about when they're here?" Curry said.

In July, the mayor issued a statement that said the decision came to him after spending time reflecting following the Fourth of July celebrations.

READ MORE: Mayor announces military flags to fly in front of City Hall

It came months after a flag flap in April when the display of military flags at one Jacksonville business stirred up controversy. A Jacksonville city inspector issued a written warning citation to Jaguar Power Sports for flying several military flags on the roof of its business. She cited a violation of city code.

WATCH: Surveillance video shows city inspector confront veteran

Shortly after the incident, Curry responded by stating all military flags should be treated just like the American flag and should be allowed to fly without the fear of getting a citation.

"I took action immediately. I took action within hours," Curry said.

A flag representing each branch of the military and a POW/MIA flag was raised outside City Hall during Tuesday’s ceremony.


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