Posted on 02/13/2005 9:09:46 PM PST by Keyga8tor
KVOA Tucson
February 10, 2005 Peter Busch Reports Homeowners association deems Stars and Stripes an eyesore
Every day, rain or shine, the Stars and Stripes beam from Jim LaMont's back yard.
The retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel erected the flag pole outside his Tucson home in January of 2004, in honor of his youngest son, Andrew, who died in a helicopter crash during the first month of the war in Iraq.
Andrew was 31.
"It is a way of showing the appreciation for our son," says LaMont.
LaMont was so stirred upon hearing the news of his son's death, that he even offered to re-enlist.
"I tactfully found out that the Air Force had no vacancies for 79-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonels," says LaMont.
So LaMont made his stand, by raising the flag, but what he sees as a beacon of freedom, others in his neighborhood see as a 30-foot-high eyesore.
"It says my flag pole has been installed without approval," LaMont says.
LaMont's homeowners' association recently sent him a card requesting the flagpole be removed, even though LaMont says, when he put it up, there were no HOA rules prohibiting it.
Inside the HOA meeting Thursday, the issue of LaMont's flagpole was to be raised, but Eyewitness News 4's interview requests were denied by board members and our cameras were asked to leave before the meeting started.
As for LaMont, he says he'll do what the board says, but until then, he'll keep saluting the flag, like he's always done.
HOA are the worst.
The American Flag is an "eyesore?"
Arizona father of a fallen hero needs help ping!!
Yet another anal retentive HOA stomping on the US flag. Disgusting. My heart goes out to Col LaMont, who's son paid the ultimate price of freedom.
I did a search and found a link to the story:
http://www.kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=2932556&nav=HMO6WGva
I have posted a link to this thread in the FReeper Canteen. What can we do to help? Do you have email addresses for the HOA??
If there were no HOA rules prohiting flying Old Glory, then no "approval" was required. Sounds like the HOA overstepped and the Lt Colonel has a case to fight them.
Keyga8tor: we still have no idea of the name of the HMO.
I think if we e mail the HOA, we should show our class, and appeal to whatever bit of decency they have. Trashing them will only boost their resolve IMHO.
I think you're right - you catch more flies with honey....
Never ever join an HOA
I need an address and/or name of the Hoa. I also need any documented statments from the Hoa to your Uncle. Freepmail me. This will not be tolerated.
I sent the following to KVOA and their News director. Hopefully, more tomorrow. Thank you all for your support! Gator
Ms. Contreras,
Would you please send me contact information concerning the HOA dispute with LtCol LaMont. I am LtCol Lamont's nephew and, while I was in Kuwait, I was the last family member to visit with Capt LaMont.
I would appreciate any information you could provide. Thank you, in advance.
I'm sorry in my haste....God rest you Andrew in his loving arms. Thank your family for it's sacrifice Gator.
An attorney should take up the case and make it a First Amendment issue, rather than an HOA issue. The First Amendment should trump.
BUMP
Great idea, but where do we find a pro bono for this? I would love to see this happen.
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