Someone Burned My Flag

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by Andy Ross | Sep 6, 2012 11:33 am

(8) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Opinion, Wooster Square

Andy Ross Photo The day after Labor Day I stepped outside to find that all that was left of the American flag I had proudly displayed from the pillars of my porch was a pile of ashes beneath a scorched flagpole.

Sometime in the middle of the night, someone decided to set a match to my flag. That left me to wonder, among other things, whether or not they realized that they could have easily burned down my house, too, with me inside.

I assume that it was an act of mischief, not intended arson, and that although they are blatantly anti-American they aren’t specifically anti-Andy. I doubt that they meant me personal harm. But whoever did this is reckless, and could have potentially endangered the lives of others—including our local firefighters. Any house can burn, and my historic home has antique pillars and old, dry timbers that could easily go up in flames.

I have to admit that I had some hesitation about deciding to hang my flag in the first place because I thought that exposing it to the public would increase the risk of it being damaged or stolen. But the notion that someone would have the careless gall to set it afire while it was attached to my house was the farthest thing from my mind.

Now I am perplexed. Do I go out and replace it, showing that I haven’t given in to this blatantly disrespectful act of vandalism? Or do I not fly another flag, lest someone torch it and potentially set my home ablaze? But one thing that doesn’t confuse me is that this is a real shame, and clearly illustrates just how thoughtless and senselessly violent some people can be. I’m praying for them that they come to their senses and see the error of their ways.

Comments

posted by: quark613 on September 6, 2012 11:51am

Horrifying.

posted by: Long Time NH Resident on September 6, 2012 11:53am

Don’t take this the wrong way as I agree this is a horrible act and you could have lost your life or your house, but

Isn’t the American flag supposed to taken in at night ? Just asking if anyone knows any flag protocol.

posted by: MotiS on September 6, 2012 12:15pm

Hi Andy:

I am sorry that this happened to you, but don’t let them win - put up a new flag!

Moti

posted by: HhE on September 6, 2012 1:03pm

Andy, I’d be happy to get you a new flag. Please don’t let arsonists, punks, and people who do not appreciate how fortunate we are win.

shaggybob, protocol allows the American flag to be flown at night if it is lighted. I think almost anywhere in Wooster Square qualifies.

posted by: Anstress Farwell on September 6, 2012 1:21pm

Hi Shaggy Bob—here is one of a million links on flag protocol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

As I learned in Scouts, the flag goes up at dawn and comes down at dusk, except on special occasions and in some places.

Andy - I’m sorry you lost the flag; glad you didn’t lose your house! What knuckleheads.

posted by: Long Time NH Resident on September 6, 2012 2:35pm

Thank you everyone. My scouting days were coming back to me as I read it. Oh yeah the internet!lol

You may want to raise the flag higher and/or not leave it out at night- or better yet put a video camera connected to a computer to catch these idiots.

posted by: robn on September 7, 2012 1:15pm

What is it with Wooster Square and flag burners?? The same thing happened just 5 years ago.

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/alleged_flag-burners_appear_in_court/

posted by: robn on September 7, 2012 1:20pm

If Andy has a porch light, flying the flag at night is AOK according to the US Flag Code

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