Boone Co. Commission hears testimony about Desert Storm memorial controversy

Emotions were running high Tuesday night as the Boone County Commission meeting wrapped up.

Residents expressed their feelings about the commissioners covering the Christian fish on a Desert Storm memorial in front of the courthouse.

It was covered up earlier this year after a group called Americans United for Separation of Church and State claimed it was unconstitutional.

Now some are urging the memorial be moved off government property.

Hundreds of people packed the Boone County Commission meeting room and it was standing room only. Some people left early because there was no room to stand.

There were 26 people who spoke before the commissioners and it was emotional at times. Some shed tears and others expressed anger, saying the memorial should be restored to its original state.

Of the 26 people who spoke, one person felt the Christian fish does not belong on government property.

The other 25 who spoke said they feel it’s disrespectful to change the memorial or move it to private property.

Toward the end of the public hearing, residents started singing “God Bless America” and when the meeting wrapped up, residents went out to the memorial to pray and sing.

“Just like the rest of the memorials, they’re in original condition and they should all be that way,” said veteran Reed Hickam. “We should have that much honor for those kids who gave their lives for our freedom.”

Commissioners said they will take all comments into considerations and discuss the matter further before a decision is made.