AMHERST -- A massive demonstration Sunday at Hampshire College called for the school to reverse a decision to stop flying the American flag.

Veterans groups organized the protest after the school decided to stop flying all flags on the main campus flagpole, including the U.S. flag, following several high-profile controversies. The flag was lowered by students to half-staff before Veterans Day and in response to the presidential election, and someone burned the flag the night before Veterans Day.

The college flew a new flag at full-staff on Veterans Day.

The college said it would stop flying the flag in order to allow a discussion about its many possible meanings to students and employees from diverse backgrounds. School spokesman John Courtmanche said previously that, while some students take pride in the American flag, for others it is "a powerful symbol of fear."

Hundreds of people gathered outside the West Street campus for the 1 p.m. rally. They waved flags of all sizes, carried signs bearing slogans like "No flag = no taxpayer (money)" and sang "God Bless America" in a booming chorus.

Speakers included veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh and Westfield state Rep. John Velis, who served in Afghanistan, urged Hampshire College to fly the flag again.

Micah Welintokonis, a veteran from Coventry, Conn., said the school's decision is disgraceful.

"Coddling young men and women old enough to serve our country has zero educational value," said Welintokonis. "I am frustrated by the things going on in this country. Let us pray for our nation to move forward together."

Sarno called on Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash to reverse course, saying the flag symbolizes the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

The U.S., said Sarno, is "the beacon of hope. Freedom and democracy. And that is because of each and every one of our veterans, and those veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Lash met with members of the Amherst VFW before the protest. John Courtmanche, the school spokesman, said Lash "acknowledged their right to demonstrate, and expressed his regret that a still unknown person or persons had burned the college's flag overnight before Veterans Day."

"President Lash listened respectfully to the views of the veterans, and explained that the Hampshire College community includes a wide range of views including employees and students who have served or are currently serving in the US military," said Courtmanche.

Lash also told the veterans that the goal is "to enable a discussion of values among all members of our campus, not make a political statement."

Toward the end of the demonstration, organizers tried to gather everyone around the Hampshire College sign at the campus entrance for a group photo, but they were interrupted by a lone counter-protester who sat on the sign and raised both middle fingers. Campus police surrounded the young man as flag-waving demonstrators jeered or tried to talk to him.

The young man said nothing. He eventually lowered his hands and stared straight ahead, ignoring the crowd. He walked away after several minutes.

Another protester interrupted remarks by Hampshire County District Attorney David Sullivan. A man carrying a sign reading "feminist witchs" and several profanities shouted that his free speech had been violated by "anti-Trumpers." He was led away by campus police officers, and Sullivan began to speak.

"We're here today to honor and respect our flag," said Sullivan. "Hampshire College, raise our flag!"

Leo Deschenes of South Hadley served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 16 years. He vividly recalls rescuing Cuban and Haitian migrants at sea, thousands of people living under daily oppression. He said he came to peacefully protest in defense of "a country that has given people more freedom than any other country in the world."

"It's not about who won the election," said Deschenes. "It's about being able to have free elections and voice opinions or opposition and not be hauled off to jail or imprisoned forever or executed in the streets."

He said the country is divided because people don't want to listen to each other. The flag controversy, he said, can be blamed partly on a lack of understanding.

"It's about listening to different opinions, respecting them, but all being Americans in the end," he said.

Mary Ann Donze said students at Hampshire College should exercise their free speech rights, but "respect the blood of those who gave it to them." Donze, of South Hadley, said her son is serving overseas in the Marines.