Controversy and outrage after reports Denali National Park told crews to remove flag

Over the Memorial Day weekend, a story emerged claiming that a construction crew working along the Denali Park Road in the Denali National Park were told that they could no longer fly the flag of the United States from their truck or heavy equipment.

The story goes on to say that the contractor, who was not identified, alleges that complaints were made that displaying the flag was serving as a distraction from “the park experience,” and laid the blame at Denali Nation Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell, who is the first woman to serve as superintendent to the park.

The Denali National Park and Preserve (NPS) released a statement saying the reports are “false,” and that at no time did National Park Service officials prohibit the flying of the flag.

“The NPS neither administers the bridge project, nor has the authority to enforce terms or policies related to the contract or contractors performing the work.”

The story has stirred up the community with some calling for Superintendent Merrell’s removal, with her address and phone number being released, while others claim that there is a cover-up afoot.

Others are calling the story ‘fake’ and the original publication of the story slanderous, while park staff were reportedly receiving harassing and threatening phone calls.

After reports reached Senator Dan Sullivan’s office, he issued a letter in response, calling the alleged incident an outrage:

“The American flag, especially on Memorial Day weekend, should be celebrated, not censored by federal government employees,” wrote Senator Sullivan, who then asked for an immediate investigation into the incident and the circumstances in which it has been handled.

The report also sparked a ‘Patriotic Convoy’ over the weekend, in which dozens of participants drove from a Fairbanks Walmart to the Denali Park displaying flags as part of a protest over the alleged removal.

Attempts to reach Granite Construction have not been responded to as of this publication.

The NPS statement goes on to say that the US flag is flown at various locations within the park, including park facilities and campsites, and that displaying the flag on public and private vehicles and residences within and around the park.

“We welcome its display this Memorial Day weekend and every day.”