The Editor,
I was pleased with the decision of Port Moody city council on May 14 to follow Coun. Rick Glumac's motion to re-consider the placement of flag poles in front of the civic plaza's traffic circle, especially in relationship with the flag poles that could be an integral part of the new fire hall complex.
According to "Flag Etiquette in Canada" (a publication available from Canadian Heritage), "Flags are symbols that identify people belonging to a group. The National Flag of Canada and the flags of the provinces and municipalities are symbols of honour and pride for all Canadians."
Indeed, the flags in front of Port Moody city hall are significant symbols of community identity, integrity and dignity. They are a display of who we are and how we understand ourselves one with another.
To propose that the flag poles be removed from the front and centre of the civic plaza off to one side, and then to be replaced by a large work of art is a disgrace and, frankly, an insult. The suggested removal of the flag poles off the central entrance to city hall is truly an impropriety and very much a breach of community respect and a violation of civic pride.
What needs to be "reconsidered" is the placement of the work of art in the traffic circle or, better, to "re-evaluate" the nature of the work of art.
I trust that propriety and integrity will prevail and that the flags in the traffic circle will continue to grace the city of Port Moody's identity.
David Spence,
Port Moody
