Castro activists Michael Petrelis and Bill Wilson have won at least one battle with the neighborhood merchants group over the iconic rainbow flag flying over Harvey Milk Plaza. As you will recall, controversy over the flag flapped again last week when the Merchants of Upper Market/Castro hadn't made a move to arrange for the memorial lowering. Today, the Examiner confirms that the flag will be flying at half-mast all day Sunday. The occasion is only the sixth time MUMC has agreed to do so since the flag was installed in 1997.

During the 9/11 Anniversary, Petrelis and Wilson also planned a small memorial service on the plaza, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 11th. The service will include, "photos of Bingham and gay priest Mychal Judge, who died near the World Trade Center, will be on display as well as a 6x4 foot New York flag donated by gay Sen. Tom Duane." There will also be remembrance books to share thoughts and notes and an open mic speak out when attendees will be encouraged to remember Bingham and Judge and those lost on 9/11.

Previously: Activists Call on Castro Merchant Group to Honor Gay 9/11 Hero With Rainbow Flag Memorial, All Rainbow Flag Coverage
[SFEx]
[Petrelis Files]