Christ First Forum

90-Year-Old Vet Ordered to Remove Flagpole
Date: 12/4/2009 10:48:13 AM
Tasha Easterling

Colonel Van Barfoot, who is 90-years-old and a World War II veteran, has been ordered by a Richmond, VA, homeowner's association to remove his flagpole by today's date.

Barfoot lives in western Henrico County in the Sussex Square community, where he moved in July, and has been ordered to remove his flagpole on two previous occasions, Labor Day and Veteran's 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.

Barfoot was wounded in combat three times, and fought in WWII and Vietnam.

A lot of people are in support of Barfoot, including Senator Mark Warner, who said he's "outraged" that the neighborhood association wants Barfoot to take down the flagpole. In fact, Barfoot says he will take the issue to court for the right to display his flag as he desires.

Can the homeowner's association in Richmond please cut this man a break? He has fought valiantly for our country and been wounded in battle three separate times. If he wants to display the flag from his flagpole instead of his front porch, I believe he has earned the right to do so. I would let him fly a flag from his rooftop if he wanted to, after his service to our country.

http://action.afa.net/Blogs/BlogPost.aspx?id=2147490020

Carmela wrote:I'm looking for an emoticon. . .one pulling it's hair out. . .for my answer to this post!

I will look for one later. Or the, It wants to make me scream!

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iCan the homeowner's association in Richmond please cut this man a break? He has fought valiantly for our country and been wounded in battle three separate times.][/

Maybe he needs to Move...

What kind of neighbors could he have?i]