On Monday, the Select Board presented a proclamation agreeing to fly the commemorative flags. "Even though Amherst is very divided about the war in Iraq, we all support the troops," said clerk of the Select Board Dolly Jolly. "The flags are ... in support of the troops."
According to the Gazette, the commemorative flags were scheduled to fly from April 18-22 in honor of Patriot's Day weekend. Jolly and Select Board Chairman Carl Seppala voted to extend the Patriots' Day weekend display through April 28 as a display of support for those on active duty, but Board Member Anne Awad voted against it, fearing that town inhabitants might interpret the extension as support of the war.
The Select Board was responsible for determining the length of time for which the flags would fly. In the proclamation read at the Board meeting Monday night, no extension to Patriots' Day weekend was added. Part of the proclamation reads: "We do declare Patriot's Day 2003 as a day to recognize all Amherst citizens and employees currently serving in the military forces of the United States and their families for their extraordinary service to the citizens of Amherst."
The proclamation recognized both town residents and employees who are fighting and those who have safely returned. It also voiced support for the families and friends of those individuals who are serving the country.