The Oak Bluffs select board voted Tuesday to move forward with installing a ceremonial flagpole at town hall.
The decision was made following the board’s approval of a new flag policy last week, which allows the flying of non-federally recognized flags on town property. The flags will commemorate local holidays or events and are meant to be an expression of town government.
Board members agreed that erecting the flagpole at town hall would most accurately demonstrate the flags as government speech.
“If you look at the city of Boston or if you also look at the city of San Jose, you know those flags are at their city halls,” said board member Dion Alley. “I think that this does represent the town of Oak Bluffs speaking.”
Before its installation, the ceremonial flagpole will need to be approved by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission.
The board also approved the flying of the Progress Pride flag from June 1 to 14, and the Juneteenth flag from June 19 to 20.
The two flags will be flown at Farland Square, since the ceremonial flagpole will not be installed in time for the events.
