Veterans press Laredo officials to include advisory committee in flagpole and memorial plans

Veterans at the City of Laredo Veterans Affairs Committee meeting on June 9 urged city leaders to ensure veterans have formal input on plans to replace a large flag and pole that previously stood at a local intersection.

Mr. Comas, a VFW representative, asked for an update on the disposition and any replacement plans for the large flag and pole he said had been removed. Committee members reported the old flag and pole were privately owned — one speaker said they belonged to Laredo National Bank — and noted council-level discussion about erecting a new pole at a city-selected site on U.S. Highway 35.

Several veterans asked that the committee be officially included in the design and memorial planning. One committee speaker asked the city to "insert the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee into the creation of this flag," requesting that veterans have input on features such as memorial bricks, benches or a relocated Medal of Honor memorial.

Committee members said the mayor had signaled interest in veteran input by inviting veterans to a prior council meeting; members discussed the city’s ability to appropriate funds for a new pole and whether the committee should formally recommend representatives to the mayor. The committee did not vote on the flag or funding during the meeting; members asked staff to coordinate follow-up with the mayor’s office and city staff.