Outrage Erupts As Construction Crew Ordered to Stop Flying US Flag

The removal of an American flag from a construction site in Denali National Park has caused anger online.

This led Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan to request an investigation into the incident.

Senator Sullivan highlighted that workers were instructed to remove a 3 x 5 American flag from a construction vehicle at mile 45 of Denali Park Road by the Pretty Rocks Landslide site.

These claims were initially reported by the Alaska Watchman, a conservative Judeo-Christian publication.

The publication stated that a contractor revealed a park official had issued instructions for the flag’s removal.

Sullivan expressed disbelief at the situation, emphasizing the absurdity of a federal contractor being prohibited from displaying the American flag in a National Park, especially so close to Memorial Day and with the project funded by American taxpayers.

Sullivan urged the National Park Service to promptly investigate the matter and detail specific actions, such as enhanced training, clearer guidelines, or policy updates, to prevent similar incidents in American national parks in the future.

An anonymous contractor blamed Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell for instructing the removal of an American flag from a construction site, alleging that complaints from Merrell led to the flag’s takedown.

The contractor claimed that Merrell cited the flag as unsuitable for the park’s ambiance after tour bus activity increased in the area.

These allegations triggered backlash against Merrell, with critics on Facebook labeling her as “anti-American” and a “communist” following her recent promotion in 2022.

The situation escalated to the point of advocating violence, with one comment wishing harm on Superintendent Merrell, stating, “I hope this leftist POS gets mauled by a grizzly bear.”

Certain conservatives were swift to inject politics into the issue, including the contractor who chose to remain anonymous. He remarked, “That’s how it goes when these liberals take charge of these parks.”

The incident sparked the organization of a ‘patriotic convoy with flags’ from a Fairbanks Walmart to the park.

The event planner referenced Merrell in a Facebook invitation, alleging that she had instructed contractors to remove their American flags from their vehicles.

Denali National Park is updating the public on the construction progress at Pretty Rocks Landslide, with anticipated completion dates extended to 2024 for earthworks and bridge foundations and 2025 for the bridge itself.

DBM Contractors have started installing micropiles and soil nail shoring to support the bridge construction.