SOMERSWORTH — An atheist flag will soon fly above the Ten Commandments monument in Somersworth — a juxtaposition that speaks volumes about the city's democratic values, said Mayor Dana Hilliard.

Hilliard said the a flag-raising will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at Citizens Place, at the request of resident Richard Gagnon. Citizens Place, a small traffic island, is city property.

The island, which is next to Somersworth City Hall, is home to the Ten Commandments monument and two flag poles that can be used to fly flags for various groups and events.

“Citizens Place was created to honor and celebrate all members of our society who embrace democratic values,” Hilliard said. “I look forward to continuing that practice and modeling why Somersworth is the most open community in the state.”

According to Gagnon, he made the request on behalf of the Freedom from Religion Foundation and himself, requesting that the flag be raised to celebrate the coming of the winter solstice, a pagan holiday.

“This is significant in that it is primarily a secular observance," Gagnon said. "This will be the first time a pagan holiday will be observed.”

Gagnon said the flag is blue with a red-scarlet letter A outlined in white, which has become the symbol of freethinkers, atheists, agnostics and skeptics.

He said the flag is intended to present a positive image of freethinkers who want constructive dialogue.

Hilliard said the city of Somersworth prides itself on embracing all citizens and organizations committed to openness and tolerance.

“While I do not subscribe to the thought of the human existence being void of spiritual influence, I do honor the First Amendment and the right for atheists to openly express their ideas,” Hilliard said.

Flags that have been or will be raised this year include the flag of Indonesia, Pride Flag, Police Memorial flag, EMS flag, the Children Festival flag, the flag of the United Kingdom, the POW/MIA flag and the Peace Dove flag for the holidays, which goes up on Pearl Harbor Day, according to Hilliard.

In 2016, a long debate over the Ten Commandments monument erupted after the stones were knocked down and councilors had to decide if they should restore the religious symbol to public property. It is still unknown how the stones were knocked down.

The Somersworth City Council in February gave an official name to the traffic island occupied by the Ten Commandments monument, by a vote of 6-2 and after some heated debate.

In determining whether the Ten Commandments monument would be restored, Hilliard offered a plan to create a citizens park, adding two flagpoles that could be used by civic groups to celebrate important events.

The New England Patriots flag was raised there in the days before the Super Bowl.