Veterans Affairs policy removes tribal flags from Phoenix hospital

The Phoenix VA Medical Center has removed the flags of Arizona’s 22 tribal nations under a new Department of Veterans Affairs policy that limits flag displays at VA facilities. The flags were delivered to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for preservation. Tribal leaders and lawmakers have criticized the move, calling it disrespectful to Native veterans, who serve in the U.S. military at five times the national average. Some are urging the VA to reconsider.