thedrifter
06-03-05, 06:39 AM
Vets are upset over flag thefts
By Thomas Geyer
FULTON, Ill. — Members of American Legion Post 402 say they are thoroughly disgusted with someone whose well of patriotism seems to have run dry.
As part of its Memorial Day celebration honoring America’s service men and women past and present, Post 402 placed newly purchased service flags on the town’s memorial monument at 11th Avenue and 4th Street.
Flags of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard along with Old Glory went up Saturday.
But by Sunday morning, four of the flags — Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard — were gone. All that was left was the Stars and Stripes and the Army service flag.
I guess somebody forgot what patriotism is all about,” said Clarence Kettler, commander of the Post 402. “This is nothing but the desecration of a war monument. It was a heck of a way to start the Memorial Day holiday.”
The post spent $375 on the flags and mounts.
“We just initiated the service flags and put six flag mounts on the memorial,” he said. “With the flags, we purchased white fiberglass poles that were gold-tipped.”
The poles had never-furl hookups so the flags would always be visible, he added.
“What a disgrace to our present and fallen heroes,” Post Adjutant Eugene Field said. “To the thieves, may this ever be on your conscience till your dying day.”
Fulton police are investigating the thefts, but the flags had not been recovered as of Thursday, Kettler said.
Memorial Day ceremonies went on as usual despite the missing flags.
“This did not defeat our weekend of flag displays,” Field said.
Kettler said the post will replace the flags.
“We push to get everybody to have a flag and to fly that flag,” he said, adding that America’s veterans make huge sacrifices to secure the nation’s freedom.
“We want people to remember the veterans that paid the price along the way,” he said.
Thomas Geyer can be contacted at (563) 383-2328 or tgeyer@qctimes.com.
Ellie
By Thomas Geyer
FULTON, Ill. — Members of American Legion Post 402 say they are thoroughly disgusted with someone whose well of patriotism seems to have run dry.
As part of its Memorial Day celebration honoring America’s service men and women past and present, Post 402 placed newly purchased service flags on the town’s memorial monument at 11th Avenue and 4th Street.
Flags of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard along with Old Glory went up Saturday.
But by Sunday morning, four of the flags — Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard — were gone. All that was left was the Stars and Stripes and the Army service flag.
I guess somebody forgot what patriotism is all about,” said Clarence Kettler, commander of the Post 402. “This is nothing but the desecration of a war monument. It was a heck of a way to start the Memorial Day holiday.”
The post spent $375 on the flags and mounts.
“We just initiated the service flags and put six flag mounts on the memorial,” he said. “With the flags, we purchased white fiberglass poles that were gold-tipped.”
The poles had never-furl hookups so the flags would always be visible, he added.
“What a disgrace to our present and fallen heroes,” Post Adjutant Eugene Field said. “To the thieves, may this ever be on your conscience till your dying day.”
Fulton police are investigating the thefts, but the flags had not been recovered as of Thursday, Kettler said.
Memorial Day ceremonies went on as usual despite the missing flags.
“This did not defeat our weekend of flag displays,” Field said.
Kettler said the post will replace the flags.
“We push to get everybody to have a flag and to fly that flag,” he said, adding that America’s veterans make huge sacrifices to secure the nation’s freedom.
“We want people to remember the veterans that paid the price along the way,” he said.
Thomas Geyer can be contacted at (563) 383-2328 or tgeyer@qctimes.com.
Ellie