The Dent County Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to rescind their Monday morning order to fly the flags at the Dent County Courthouse and Judicial Building at below half-staff in protest to the June 26 Supreme Court ruling that gay people have the constitutional right to marriage.
“I have nothing but respect and admiration for the people in uniform, the men and women who put their lives on the line whether it’s the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines,” Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said. “It was never my intention to offend these people.”
After these statements Skiles recommended that the commission rescind their previous order.
Second District Commissioner Gary Larson made the motion to rescind.
“I’m sorry it happened,” Larson said. “We have neither the power nor the authority to lower the flags. I apologize to every Dent County citizen that I voted for it. I was told we had the proper etiquette, but I got copies of the etiquette, and we do not have the power or the authority. My apologies to everyone.”
First District Commissioner Dennis Purcell seconded the motion.
“I have a deep and profound respect for our military men and women, and the American flag,” Purcell said. “I will not disrespect my God, my country, the American military or the American flag.”
The proceeding took place at the judicial building due to a lack of space at the commissioner’s courthouse office. A crowd of onlookers was in attendance to observe the meeting, but no public comments were allowed.
