A Betsy Ross flag was spotted flying as part of an 18-flag display outside San Francisco City Hall Thursday.
Controversy over the Betsy Ross flag erupted Monday after Nike pulled a shoe featuring the American flag following a complaint from former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who alleged the flag was a symbol of racism.
But it doesn’t appear Kaepernick has ever commented on the Betsy Ross flag that has been a part of the “Pavilion of American Flags” in San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza since 1964.
The Betsy Ross flag flew outside San Francisco City Hall for the entirety of Kaepernick’s tenure with the San Fransisco 49ers from 2011 through 2016.
The 18-flag display was the brainchild of businessman Stanely Bergman, according to the San Francisco Chronical. The flags were first raised with fanfare on Flag Day, June 14, 1964, with a military band and former San Francisco Mayor John Shelley in attendance, the Chronical reported.
A Confederate battle flag was a part of the display for several months in 1964, but it was ordered replaced after being cut down during a protest, according to the Chronical.
Nike’s decision to recall its Betsy Ross shoe was met with praise by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“Thank you for doing the right thing,” Newsom, a Democrat, wrote in a tweet Tuesday to Nike. “CA is open for business and welcomes those that represent the best of our American values.”
Hey, @Nike — we’re just a quick jaunt over the border…
Thank you for doing the right thing. CA is open for business and welcomes those that represent the best of our American values. pic.twitter.com/dLN7EuYBFS
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 3, 2019
Neither San Francisco Mayor London Breed or Nike immediately responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
By Andrew Kerr and Molly Prince
From The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].
