Newberg, OR. — The City of Newberg issued a statement clarifying how the Newberg Flagpole and surrounding area may be used as a site for memorials and public assembly.
City officials said they recognize and respect residents’ First Amendment rights to assemble and petition by gathering at the Newberg Flagpole, located at the east entrance of downtown. The city noted it has allowed community members to place memorial items at the flagpole as a way to process grief, frustration, or disagreement with events affecting the local community, the nation, or the world.
However, the city emphasized that public property is intended for everyone’s use and that memorials placed at the flagpole are subject to a time limit. Under city policy, memorial items may remain in place for 30 days following the initial event that prompted the memorial. A sign is posted at the site notifying the public of the scheduled removal date, and items added after the initial event do not extend that deadline…