Guest Column: Yellow flag's creator calls city's rejection a disappointment

Guest Column: Yellow flag's creator calls city's rejection a disappointment

BARRY BARNETT
Artist International, Palm Coast
Publication Date: 07/29/07

There are seven cities waiting for the final design and production of "Our Yellow Flag."

My friends if you ever want to see community spirit in support of our armed forces you must have seen one of the seven city meetings where "Our Yellow Flag" was adopted as their own. The acceptance of "Our Yellow Flag" is never known until the vote. The burning question is, Will a community adopt or not adopt "Our Yellow Flag" as its own? That is a matter of conscience and city protocol. Each city should be respected, for or against.

If you were at one of those city council/commission meetings that did show support you would feel a sense of hope for those who serve and their families.

The question placed and the votes taken. Most wanted to make it very clear as to how quickly that support was given. One city did it in 10 seconds.

As for the question of "Our Yellow Flag" we are at seven cities for and one against. Our work goes on.

St. Augustine, on the other hand, was a great disappointment. This is our nation's oldest city and it should be first in everything, great or small. As a personal observation only, I have hope that one day St. Augustine's City Commission will change its mind.

I remember when St. Augustine was known for better days. When did St. Augustine die? Was it in the days of St. George Street protest? Was is when property values became more valuable then good conscience should allow? Did St. Augustine get too big for it britches?

"Our Yellow Flag" was not presented as a replacement for our national flag. Where did that come from?

"Our Yellow Flag" was offered in separate conversation, in a manner where it could become an official city flag and therefore flown from city flagpoles for its limited duration. How did that change?

"Our Yellow Flag" was never presented as a political statement for or against any war. Who is trying to make it so? And Why?

"Our Yellow Flag" is a community statement in support of our armed forces and their families. Who made it their effort to distort that message?

I have often wondered why and how good intentions fail. I now understand. I apologize to those who will die for me tomorrow. I apologize to those who will lose an arm or leg for me tomorrow. I apologize to the families who grieve today and so many tomorrows.

I allowed this message of goodwill toward those who fight for my freedom to get off message. I am to blame for "Our Yellow Flag" not flying over St. Augustine. As with all things there is tomorrow and other city commissions. There is hope after all.

Please understand that I receive nothing for "Our Yellow Flag." Not one dime. How could anyone seek to profit from the suffering of those who are fighting to protect us?

Please understand that the final design of "Our Yellow Flag" is a product of the people. Not this artist.

In closing, I do not agree with the caller who said our soldiers in Iraq are rapists, murderers and thugs. Say what you will about me but take your hands off those who stand the wall for my freedom.



Barry Barnett has a gallery in St. Augustine and is a resident of Palm Coast.

He recently asked the St. Augustine City Commission to fly a yellow Support Our Troops flag on city-owned flagpoles. The City Commission unanimously rejected the request on July 23.


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