MACON, Ga. — The Academy of Classical Education (ACE) Governing Board faced intense public testimonies Monday night over its decision not to lower flags to half-staff on Sept. 11 , a day traditionally marked by lowering flags to half-mast to commemorate the terrorist attacks.

During a passionate public comment session, speakers criticized the school's administration for failing to follow state and federal flag-lowering proclamations, with several veterans' family members, parents and students expressing deep disappointment.

Larry Ballard Jr. spoke to the Board about his late father, an Army veteran, while emphasizing his stance as purely patriotic, not political. He presented a flag in memory of his father.

"My father would not be proud of what transpired last week. In fact, he would

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