MYNORTHWEST NEWS

King County DOT apologizes for removal of 9/11 memorial

Aug 2, 2017, 8:06 AM

Empty Preston, 9/11 memorial...

The rock wall in Preston after the makeshift 9/11 memorial was removed by the county. (Contributed/ Put The American Flag Back Up In Preston)

Leaders of King County DOT’s Road Services Division are now apologizing for the removal of a 9/11 memorial in Preston.

RELATED: Residents angered after makeshift 9/11 memorial removed

On the division’s blog, the county’s transportation director said the department “should have reached out to the community before removing the flags, banners, and messages.”

Those flags, banners, and messages were setup along Preston-Fall City Road on a rock wall. KIRO Radio’s Kim Shepard reported the makeshift memorial was up for more than 16 years.

A King County road crew reportedly removed the memorial and left a note explaining that someone had complained that the American flag was offensive.

“Caller finds these signs offensive as they are on public property R.O.W. [right of way],” a notice read.

“On behalf of the department, I offer my sincere apologies to the residents of Preston and the surrounding community,” Transportation Director Harold Taniguchi said in a statement posted online.

According to the county’s blog, the memorial will be left as is, for now.

“This wall is a revered spot for people in and around Preston,” King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert said in a statement. “I’m glad we can now work together to find a solution that will respect the values of the community, pay proper respect to the flag, and maintains our obligation to public safety.”

MyNorthwest News

Photo: Lewis and Clark High School students thought quickly to save their track coach's life....

Julia Dallas

Spokane high school students save track coach’s life after his heart stops

Two Spokane high school students used their quick thinking and past training to save their track coach's life last week.

40 minutes ago

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

13 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

14 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

15 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

16 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

17 hours ago

King County DOT apologizes for removal of 9/11 memorial