Here we go again. Another American has been threatened with punitive action for displaying Old Glory. This time, it’s a U.S. Marine who served three tours of duty in Iraq. Manuel Vega is facing eviction from his apartment complex for refusing to remove the American flag and the U.S.M.C flag from his balcony. The Marine has been flying the flags on his balcony at the Salem Run Apartment Homes in Fredericksburg, Va. since October. Vega first received a warning letter from the property manager, but was told a deal would be worked out so he could continue to fly the flags. Not so much. This month, he received an eviction notice. Here was his remarkable retort: “[They] told me to take the flags down per the lease agreement and I respectfully told them no. Independence Day is not only on Fourth of July. Memorial Day is everyday in remembrance of our fallen and Veterans Day as well; I will honor all troops past and present and I will never cease to.” The Marine says residents are allowed to hang flowers and holiday decorations on their balconies, and he doesn’t understand why his flags are an issue with the apartment complex. It might behoove the management of the apartment complex to show a little tolerance and respect for a Marine veteran who was willing to die for their ability to run their business in peace. They can let this man show a little pride instead of being shamed for caring about the nation he bravely served.
Posted on: Mon, 07 Apr 2014 13:43:04 +0000