90 Year Old WWII Vet Harassed by Neighborhood Association Over Flagpole in His Yard
Stories like this are maddening. I’m amazed that this sort of thing can even happen.
“90 year-old Colonel Van Barfoot has until Friday to remove the flagpole from his yard.”
“Since this saga began, it’s been played out on the radio from Washington D.C. to Boston, but many believe what is happening to this true American hero is tarnishing the image of Richmond.”
“Barfoot lives in the Sussex Square community in western Henrico County. He moved there in July, and was ordered to remove the flagpole from his front lawn when he flew the flag on Labor Day, and again on Veterans Day.”
“The homeowner’s association doesn’t explicitly forbid flagpoles but they must be “aesthetically appropriate”. Short flags are allowed on porches, but Barfoot says that’s not the way he was raised to respect the flag.”
“First of all, it’s not dignified, and it shows you got it in the half mast position… you can walk around here and I’ll bet you the American flag is hanging out in the rain, nobody ever checks it”, says Barfoot.”
“Family members say he’s the most decorated American combat veteran alive. Barfoot has been awared more than 20 medals, including the Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts.”
“Wounded in combat three times, Barfoot fought in World War II and in Vietnam.”
You would think someone at the neighborhood association would remind everyone that the guy served America in two wars. Let the man fly the flag he spent his life defending in any way he sees fit.
Paul A. Tegtmeier was a Firefighter with New York City Engine 4.