Flag Controversy

A public hearing will be held in September on a controversial proposed flag and banner ordinance for the city of Lexington. The proposal limits flags that may be flown in the downtown area and on the Veterans Memorial Bridge essentially to U.S. and Virginia flags.
The flag issue flared up earlier this year after historic flags associated with Gen. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were flown as part of the traditional Lee-Jackson Day celebration in January. Petitions opposing the flags were submitted following the display of the historic flags.
Brandon Dorsey, commander of the Stonewall Brigade of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, has said his organization decided not to display the Confederate battle flag in January out of respect for other citizens. Dorsey said the historic flags that were flown honored the virtues of Lee and Jackson.
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, in the county administration building.