Posted on 05/29/2007 3:13:02 PM PDT by Fawn
TAMPA - Infantryman Brandon Davis left the Florida Army National Guard with his uniform, a lot of pride in his country, and a band of friends who are more like brothers.
"I have brothers there who are losing their lives every day, you know I spent some time in the Army, it just means a lot to me. It's Memorial Day," Davis said in an interview Monday.
Naturally, he decided to really honor the U.S.A. this Memorial Day. So, the 23-year-old hung a little flag outside his door.
"You know, it's a hand flag," Davis explained. "20 minutes later, the flag is gone. So I'm trying to figure out where my flag went, I go down to the security shack, and the security guard, he has my flag."
"They were very hostile and I tried to approach them in a nice way, but they weren't working with me at all," Davis continued. "They didn't want to give me back my flag."
He said he did get it back, and he put it up again. Later, though, he described what he claims he came home to: the flag tossed to the ground, broken in two. And two fines on his door from Parkcrest Condominiums for hanging the flag out twice.
"I was furious. There's no way to explain it," Davis said. "I don't know what's going on. It's Memorial Day and we're at war, there's just no respect."
Davis said he understood he's not technically allowed to put anything outside his door. He pays $550 each month to the Homeowners Association at the Harbour Island building.
The condo board has specifically ruled against decorations.
But as a soldier on Memorial Day, he's stunned that building bylaw applies to the American flag, too.
"The flag is a very serious thing. People are losing their lives over it," Davis fumed.
Our nation's code of honor dictates certain protocol in disposing of old, dirtied, or broken flags. One should not throw them away in the garbage can. Rather, they are traditionally burned out of respect.
So, Monday night, the Army National Guardsman spent his evening doing just that - burning his broken American flag.
Davis said the Parkcrest building's management office was closed for the Memorial Day holiday, as is customary with most offices.
He, nor FOX 13, could reach them by phone for further explanation from the building about the flag flap.
Thank you for retrieving that flag! I’ve had a similar experience with downed car flags. God bless you and the vets. However, I don’t burn flags. In the early days people showed their respect for old flags in a different way. When they fell whether in battle or by accident, they were picked up to fly once more, because they had touched the beloved ground of our great country. If they had a few holes from bullets or age, then were mended with care. If dirty then they were washed. Then someone came along and decided that things should be different. Now parts of our history are being lost. There are old flags, some with only 48 stars that are burning each year because they are old. If we follow this convention, then the flag that inspired our National Anthem should be burnt as well being that it is tattered and worn. I for one will stand against this convention. If you happen to come across another old girl, please contact me. I’ll pay for the shipping.
Flag ripped down at soldier's home Posted by AmericanMade1776 to AmericanMade1776 On News/Activism 05/29/2007 7:02:06 PM EDT · 18 of 60 Christmas trees are a fire hazard, and they’re dirty. And no one can hang anything on their doors or balconies without permission. The bottom line is, the board sets the rules.
.. It seems you were upset by the line "The bottom line is, the board sets the rules", that wasn't my line, I was posting what the article said about the banning of Christmas trees and calling them dirty... do you actually think that anyone is allowed on Free Republic that would think that way... sheeesh. If you have any doubt that it was a statement from the News article go read it for yourself
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=1812956&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1
Rolls eyes.. sheeesh I put up a Live Christmas tree every year and love to wave the flag.. Look at my profile...duh... can not believe such a knee jerk reaction...
Depending on the condo documents recorded at the county court house , there may be common areas shared by all and ( second ) limited common areas not shared ( decks, patios, stairs ? ).
Limited areas might allow for private furniture, flags, etc.
In any event, individuals should have some common area rights : swimming in the pool, using other common facilities.
State law apparently forces the elected Board of Directors to follow state law ( even if they do not want to allow the flag ).
Where are these people living, Peyton Place?
See post 3. Florida law apparently states that the Association was wrong. Hope this guy goes after them!
Thanks.
We both hope that this guy goes after them!
Apology accepted, Mr. Pyburn!
(Choke, gasp and fall flat out.)
Fortunately, I don’t have to deal with that trash but should anyone want to tear my American flage from its moorings, it will be death to them. The flag is my country and I will defend it.
If they do not like to see the American flag, then they should leave.
Rolls eyes!
What does sheeesh mean,,,sounds like something My Grandbaby would say,,,Bottom Line Is ,,, People Gave Their Life For This Country,,,Nobody,,takes the Flag down...Bottom Line..nothin’ against you,,,you probably would fight for the the same ..?
It appeared to be posted as your opinion. No quotes or anything to indicate that you don’t agree.
Don’t blame us for not taking what you posted at face value.
Don’t blame us for taking what you posted at face value.
Look at my profile, and tell me what you think?
It appeared to me that it was your opinion being expressed, not a synopsis of the board’s beliefs.
Sorry!
Hey we all make mistakes... The sentence came directly from the article posted on post 16. I was astounded as the rest of you that someone would make that statement.
I’ll do that..
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