The Des Moines VA Hospital is refusing to fly the American Flag above the so-called “Pride flag” at its campus. Officials at the hospital confirmed it would be flying the “Pride flag” for the month of June after direction provided from the federal government allowed local officials to make such a decision.
Republican State Sen. Adrian Dickey has put up an American Flag on the pole the last two days, but it was removed after the first day — prompting him to hang a second flag on Friday.
The hospital wrote on June 7 the American Flag is flying on the east side of the hospital and no flag will ever fly higher than the nation’s colors. However, on the other side of the same hospital, a “Pride flag” is flying solo.
Comments on the post encouraged the hospital to put an American Flag back at the main entrance.
“I agree. The American Flag should be flown at the main entrance! It is disrespectful to all who have served,” wrote Dave Burgess.
“Feeling guilty about removing the American Flag and POW flag from the main entrance for the Pride flag are we,” asked Susan Mayes.
“The American Flag should be flying at the main entrance flag pole also. It is disrespectful to all of the veterans who come to the hospital on a daily basis and do not come from the east,” wrote Dallas Kaufman.
Also of note is the fact the Des Moines VA posted nothing on social media about D-Day, which was commemorated earlier this month.
However, in June alone, the Des Moines VA has prominently posted LGBTQ information as well as Juneteenth.
