American Legion post replaces stolen flags, other banners

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

August 20, 2008 07:42 pm

— “O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
— Composed by Francis Scott Key, “In Defense of Fort McHenry” in September 1814.

CONNEAUT — Before the fireworks started July 4, vandals unleashed some fury of their own.
The city’s military veterans were outraged last month by the theft of seven flags that once graced a high bridge on the city’s East Side. The vandals ripped down the flags from lamp posts that lined the Route 20 viaduct over Conneaut Creek.
Wednesday morning, members of the American Legion replaced the stolen flags with new flags and installed new poles and brackets as well, said Paul Nelson, adjutant and sergeant-at-arms for American Legion Cowle Post 151.
“We wanted to show we are not going to be intimidated by low-life punks,” Nelson said.
The American flags waving in Wednesday afternoon’s warm summer breeze and bright sunshine brought a smile not only to Legion members’ faces, but also to their hearts, Nelson said.
“It’s a beautiful sight,” he said.
In addition to three American flags, separate banners bearing the insignias of the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, and the POW-MIA logo, were stolen, Nelson said. Hardware and brackets to hang the flags also were missing, he said.
“Now, all of the flags are back,” he said.
People with information regarding the theft or the whereabouts of the flags are asked to contact the Legion post (593-2205) or the police department (593-7440). All information given will remain confidential, Nelson said.
“We still want the flags back,” he said. “The theft was an insult to our veterans and our country.”

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