Provincetown official denounces false claim that town banned American flag on July 4: ‘That’s ridiculous’

Provincetown is not banning American flags on July 4, and a fake social media post claiming otherwise has caused headaches for municipal workers, a local official said Wednesday.

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Town Manager Alex Morse took to Facebook Wednesday morning to refute the hoax, which he said had prompted angry phone calls to Town Hall.

“I don’t normally give things like this more oxygen than they deserve since it comes with the territory of working in public service, but after seeing the fake social media post circulating yesterday and today — and now that Town staff are receiving angry phone calls and emails because of it — I think it’s important to set the record straight,” Morse wrote.

He said the town has not banned the flying of the stars and stripes on America’s birthday, nor have officials asked residents not to fly them. Either action would violate the First Amendment.

“That’s ridiculous,” Morse said of the notion that the town had banned the US flag or had even entertained the idea in discussions.

“We love our flags in Provincetown,” Morse continued. “They fly proudly over Commercial Street and in front of homes and businesses from the East End to the West End. They are part of what makes this community special. Pride flags. Portuguese flags. American flags. And many others. They all reflect the history, diversity, and spirit of Provincetown.”

Morse also took aim at the original social media fraudster who spread the false narrative about the Outer Cape locale famously welcoming to the LGBTQ community.

The original post containing the false claim was not found online by a Globe reporter Wednesday afternoon.

“An online troll creates a fabricated post designed to generate outrage, people share it before verifying it, and before long Town employees are fielding angry phone calls about something that was never true, ” Morse said.

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He said the trolls “who create these fake posts aren’t interested in informing you — they’re interested in provoking you.”

Morse also offered tips to keep from being swayed by misinformation online.

“I encourage everyone to be a little more discerning about what they read and share online,” Morse said. “If something doesn’t pass the smell test, it probably isn’t true.

“When it comes to official Town information, please rely on the Town’s official communication channels,” he continued. “If it’s an important Town announcement, you’ll find it on the Town website and our official social media pages.”

As for Saturday, July 4, when America marks 250 years of independence, Morse advises people to skip the screens for the day.

“Instead of spending the holiday weekend arguing with strangers on Facebook, I hope everyone gets outside, enjoys this beautiful weather, supports our local businesses, and celebrates America’s 250th birthday with friends, family, and neighbors,” Morse said.

He also included a link to the town’s July 4th parade and fireworks extravaganza, where American flags will likely be seen in abundance.

“I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and celebratory Fourth of July!” said Morse, who included an AI-generated photo of himself standing atop a local monument holding – what else? – an American flag.

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