June 15, 2023 3:40 a.m.

While a number of local veteran’s leaders have made their objections known, the Pride Flag will remain flying at the Roseburg VA.

Local Public Affairs Specialist Nikki Hansen said the flag went up June 8th and will be flown through the rest of this month.

A statement from national VA Press Secretary Terrance Hays said, “Throughout Pride Month, we recognize the contributions of the more than one million LGBTQ+ Veterans in this nation, and their families, caregivers, and survivors”. Hays said “Its our mission at the VA to provide these Veterans – and all Veterans – with the world-class care and benefits they deserve in a safe, caring and welcoming environment. We thank each and every one of these LGBTQ+ heroes for their service and sacrifice, and we encourage them to come to VA for their earned health care and benefits”.

News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN reached out to a few veterans to get their thoughts on the situation.

Douglas County Veterans Forum President Gwen Best said “Having anything else on that pole diminishes the rightfully prominent display of our national symbol. Nothing should be above it or dilute its importance”. Best said “Honoring other groups is fine, just do it somewhere else. Put up other flag poles. Make a display in the main hospital/clinic entrance”. Best suggested something could also be put on the website, and sent out in official emails and newsletters.

Jim Little said, “My reaction is that this was a wrong and disgusting effort and purely political act that causes me to doubt the wisdom of any leader who thought it was a good thing to desecrate the flag my comrades and I fought for”.

Carol Hunt said, “Nothing belongs on the U.S. American Flag but that flag and below it the POW/MIA Flag. It is wrong and I am sorry to see that our U.S. President has allowed it to fly at our White House”.

The Pride Flag is being displayed underneath both the U.S. flag and the POW/MIA flag at the Roseburg VA.