King County DOT apologizes for removal of 9/11 memorial
Aug 2, 2017, 8:06 AM
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)
(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.”
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