New jersey town replaces american flag with juneteenth flag outside town hall

VERONA, N.J. — A Juneteenth flag was raised at Verona Town Hall on Monday morning in place of the American flag, prompting questions over adherence to federal flag code and New Jersey state law governing flag displays on public buildings.

Many are just asking a simple question, why?

The flag-raising ceremony, held outside Town Hall at 600 Bloomfield Avenue, marked Verona’s observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Despite steady rain, the town held a ceremony and assembly involving H.B. Whitehorne Middle School’s sixth-grade class.

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According to a post from the township, the American flag was lowered and replaced with the Juneteenth flag during the event. However, under the U.S. Flag Code and New Jersey law, the American flag may not be replaced on government property by another flag unless part of a formally authorized display protocol.

The American flag was nowhere to be seen.

The U.S. Flag Code, though advisory, states that the American flag should be given the position of honor and not supplanted by other flags. New Jersey statutes allow the display of other flags — such as the state or commemorative flags — but do not permit the replacement of the U.S. flag in such contexts.

Ceremony featured local officials and school participation

The ceremony included remarks from Mayor Tamburro and attendance by Councilwomen Christine McGrath and Cynthia Holland, members of the NAACP Oranges & Maplewood Branch, and staff from Representative LaMonica McIver’s office. Students and staff from H.B. Whitehorne also participated.

Verona officials have not commented on whether proper flag protocol was followed during the flag replacement. The town’s official website directs residents to read the full remarks delivered by Mayor Tamburro during the event.

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