WEST JORDAN, Utah, Sept. 11, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The inclusion of a Confederate flag at a West Jordan City-sponsored demolition derby Saturday night stirred resentment among some of those in attendance and has drawn an apology from the city’s spokeswoman.
The Confederate battle flag was flown from the back of a pickup truck along with the Gadsden “Don’t Tread On Me” flag just as the “Star-Spangled Banner” was about to be played. Two traditional Stars and Stripes also flew from the back of the truck.
A prominent Salt Lake County employee who was in attendance, but asked not to be identified, told Gephardt Daily he was startled when he saw the Confederate flag, especially in light of West Jordan’s sponsorship. He said he was further troubled when he realized the flag was going to be part of the national anthem presentation.
Kim Wells, spokeswoman for West Jordan City told local media the flag’s inclusion in the ceremony was inadvertent and made without the city’s knowledge. She characterized its use as poor taste and apologized to those who were upset by the presentation.
The annual demolition derby known as the West Jordan Beet Down is a popular end-of-the-summer event that draws thousands to the West Jordan Arena.
