Dear Editor:
I am writing to tell you of my amazement at the lack of respect shown by the Hoboken Municipal Government in honoring those lost in Tuesday’s attack.
On Wednesday, September 12, I walked to the Pier A Park and was shocked to see that even by noon time, the flags at the park were still flying full staff! When I approached a police officer about this disgrace, he said that the flag had a lock and they could not find a key. For the lousy $5 lock, Hoboken was willing to show a complete lack of respect to those lost. Disgusted, I walked to the City Hall to tell them of this problem and was further amazed that the flag in front of City Hall was also still flying at full staff (a full 24 hours after the attack).
When I went into City Hall, I was told that they are very busy and did not have the time yet! Yes, there was a lot happening, but doing the right thing would take less than a minute. I informed them that they had a maintenance person cleaning the glass on the front doors of the building at that time. Is that the priority? A little honesty would have been appreciated.
The fact is it never occurred to them. While every politician in town (and everywhere) wraps themselves in the flag, and is sure to use the Red, White and Blue in their campaigns, they really just don’t get the meaning. The flag to them is part of the election uniform, with no further meaning.
All members of our city government should be ashamed at their lack of respect and initiative in lowering our flag to half staff.
Michael Marusic