The town council has a duty to be concerned, and even to exert its due authority by removing such signs, markers, banners flags and ribbons until a proper authorization on the part of the town as a body is made by it.
If rather than being a regular soldier, her son had become a prisoner, or a hostage -- why then they, out of concern and proper regard for the expected high emotions and spirit in that special circumstance, should leave such ribbons up. Other than that extraordinary circumstance, the town did their duty, just as her son and many others are doing their duty..