I have read the article about the Civil War flag controversy on the pages of The Standard newspaper here in Kingman (June 24th).
My name is Wesley Maroney and I have lived in Kingman since 2012 and owned property since Jan 1999.
I retired from the US Army after 32 years of service reaching the rank of Sergeant Major in the Military Police Corp.
My son served in the US Air Force for 20 years before his retirement as a Master Sergeant Pararescueman.
My father served on the USS Nevada as a Gunners Mate during WW II,
My Grandfather served in the US Army in France during WW I.
My oldest brother retired from the US Navy after serving for 24 years.
Many cousins and uncles have served in every war America has requested them too.
My whole family for generations has served America starting in 1776 with a grandfather in the Continental Army.
WE served to protect the Constitution and all the laws that go with it, not those we choose to or not.
The 1st Amendment. FREEDOM of thought and words. Any citizen in Kingman, Mohave County, the State of Arizona, America, has the right to fly a Confederate flag, LGBT flag, State flag and the BLM flag at their own home or business without requiring a permit.
The City Government, County Government, State Government and Federal Government can only fly those flags that have been enacted to do so by law.
The BLM people can fly their flag or sign on their own piece of America and they have no right to demand that their flag be flown on Government property. Or that another US citizen must remove a flag of his choice on his own piece of America.
I too have a Constitutional right to fly my American flag at my home daily and knowing that it will not be removed by anyone other than myself.
I hope that you as the Mayor and City Council will follow the Constitution of the State of Arizona and United States. Will up-hold ALL citizen rights, that you were voted in to protect.
Mr. Dominic Tapia request to fly his BLM flag on City Property, this is unfounded and against the law. He may start a business and fly his flag daily if he wants .
He has no right to have a counter flag flown upon his request because a flag he dislikes is flown at a business. Protect the Rights of ALL CITIZENS of Kingman.
I will gladly stand guard at Mr. Tapia’s home and protect his right to fly his BLM flag. I know many other veterans that will stand guard with me. This is America.
I suppose those that stand against ALL Citizens right(s), will be heard and the voting booth is the place for citizens to voice their opinion.
Wesley Maroney
USA, SGM (Ret)
Kingman
