VILLAGE OF HOBART (NBC 26) -- The Oneida Nation is forwarding a statement from Norbert Hill regarding the Village of Hobart's decision to not fly flags at half-staff in honor of his brother, former Oneida Nation Chairman Rick Hill.
Rick Hill died earlier this month. He was a prominent leader of the Oneida Nation and credited with leading the Nation through some of its most progressive years. Last week, Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags to fly half-staff in honor of Hill. The Village of Hobart, however, did not fly flags at half-staff.
In a statement issued December 20, the Village of Hobart said the Governor's order violated U.S. Flag Code.
Norbert Hill, Rick Hill's brother, has now responded to the Village of Hobart's explanation with a statement of his own, forwarded by the Oneida Nation:
The Flag
The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol which stands for a shared history, pride, and principals. Hanging the flag at half-mast signals respect and mourning for leading citizens. Not hanging the flag in blatant disregard to a Governor’s order reveals a petty refusal to recognize one of Wisconsin’s prominent citizens. This obstinate reaction is childish and hurtful. Not flying the flag at half-mast does not lower the esteem for Rick Hill by one iota. It does diminish the integrity and decency of the Village of Hobart’s leadership by a considerable margin.
Hobart’s flimsy and phony apology does not advance community relations. A leadership change is needed in Hobart.
-- Norbert Hill
Funeral services for former Chairman Rick Hill were held last week.
