Richmond, Va., residents are appalled that even a 90-year-old war veteran and Medal of Honor recipient can face penalty for flying a flag in his front yard.
Colonel Van Barfoot has until Friday to remove the flagpole, per his homeowner's association.
After moving into his Henrico County home in July, Barfoot began flying a flag on Labor Day and again on Veterans Day. However, the association informed him that it must come down because it's not "aesthetically appropriate."
Short flags are allowed on porches, but Barfoot says that's not the true way to show patriotism.
"First of all, it's not dignified, and it shows you got it in the half mast position," he said. "You can walk around here and I'll bet you the American flag is hanging out in the rain, nobody ever checks it."
Barfoot's family says he is the most decorated U.S. combat veteran. He fought in World War II and Vietnam and has received more than 20 medals, including the Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, The Legion of Merit and three Purple Hearts.
His story has caught national attention.
In response to criticism for forcing Barfoot to remove his flagpole, the associated said in a statement, "This is not about the American flag. This is about a flagpole... We are a neighborhood of patriotic Americans, many of whom have served our country in the military as Col. Barfoot has done."
Barfoot said he plans to take the battle to court.
Colonel Van Barfoot has until Friday to remove the flagpole, per his homeowner's association.
After moving into his Henrico County home in July, Barfoot began flying a flag on Labor Day and again on Veterans Day. However, the association informed him that it must come down because it's not "aesthetically appropriate."
Short flags are allowed on porches, but Barfoot says that's not the true way to show patriotism.
"First of all, it's not dignified, and it shows you got it in the half mast position," he said. "You can walk around here and I'll bet you the American flag is hanging out in the rain, nobody ever checks it."
Barfoot's family says he is the most decorated U.S. combat veteran. He fought in World War II and Vietnam and has received more than 20 medals, including the Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, The Legion of Merit and three Purple Hearts.
His story has caught national attention.
In response to criticism for forcing Barfoot to remove his flagpole, the associated said in a statement, "This is not about the American flag. This is about a flagpole... We are a neighborhood of patriotic Americans, many of whom have served our country in the military as Col. Barfoot has done."
Barfoot said he plans to take the battle to court.
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