Flags on a stick are weapons?

I just received an email saying that at tomorrow's Peace Rally that there will be an announcement made that nothing may be carried on a stick, like signs or flags, because it is dangerous. And that people who don't comply may be asked to leave.

Seriously, carrying an American flag on a stick is dangerous? What, are we gonna poke someone's eye out?

I want to know who is behind this, and what in the hell they're thinking. And I need to come up with some way to carry my sign, without a stick. Maybe a sandwichboard or something.