Oops. Stockton Forgets to Display Flag at Veterans Day Concert


Did Stockton University simply forget to display the American Flag during it’s recent Veteran Days concert? Or was the Red, White and Blue purposefully ‘forgotten’ by some young pranksters with a political agenda?

Radio talks shows were buzzing about this unfortunate flag oversight. The controversy started at the Bay Atlantic Symphony Veterans Day concert on November 10, at Stockton University in Galloway Twp.

Listen to WOND Radio callers discuss Stockton flag controversy:

The packed concert was a bombastic salute to our Veterans. The show included plenty of patriotic music, including Stockton President Dr. Harvey Kesselman narrating “Lincoln Portrait,” backed by the full orchestra. Every thing was perfect, except for that lack of stars and stripes. Oops. Make that a BIG oops…

Instead of relying purely on gossip and radio commentary, we decided to reach out to Dr. Kesselman for his take on this awkward situation. (see below)

It should be noted that Stockton, as well as many schools across the country are seeing amplified activism and political polarization on campus. Often, the American Flag and U.S. exceptionalism are at the center of these dust-ups.

It can’t be easy being the head of a school, especially in the age of Colin Kaepernick, Fox-TV and Social Media.

Kudos to Stockton for inviting U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch to speak at Stockton on January 23rd, to speak with students, faculty, and staff about the crucial role of the Supreme Court. The event will not be open to the general public. Justice Gorsuch took his seat in the Supreme Court in April after being nominated for the position by President Donald Trump. 

From Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman:

Dear ACprimetime,

Thank you for the opportunity to respond. On Saturday, Nov. 11, Stockton University and the Bay Atlantic Symphony partnered to present a free Veterans Day concert for the community. More than 500 people attended this beautiful and patriotic event.  Unfortunately, the American flag was not on the stage during the concert, and that was an oversight for which we apologize.

Please know that our University is deeply committed to serving veterans.  We have received numerous awards demonstrating that commitment, including a presentation at Stockton’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Nov. 10 by the New Jersey Order of the Purple Heart.  I welcome you to visit our campus to see our Office of Military and Veterans Services.  I will gladly give you a tour.

Best regards,

Harvey Kesselman, President, Stockton University

Harvey Kesselman Stockton WOND
Two Guys from South Philly; Kesselman & Taylor on ACprimetime Radio.

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