WWII veteran vows to fight to keep flying his American flag
The most decorated living American soldier from WWII, Colonel Van Barfoot, has been told that he must take down his American flag because the homeowners association bans flagpoles where he is living.
The homeowners association claims that this is not an issue of a person flying the American flag, but rather the flagpole itself. The association claims tha Barfoot can still fly a flag from a porch or the side of his house but not from a flagpole. The 90 year old decorated war veteran sees that as unacceptable and vows to take the association to court to fight for his right to fly the flag in all its glory.
This man has won the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts fighting for the flag of the United States and now he is fighting for the flag of the United States one last time.
This man participated in the invasion of Sicily and Italy, he didn’t cower in the face of the Nazis, he certainly will not cower to the homeowners association.
Good luck Colonial Barfoot, patriotic Americans all across the country are routing for you one more time.
America's Watchtower 
I hope the Colonel gets to keep his flagpole, but according to the story you linked to, he only moved into the neighborhood in July. The homeowner’s association says he knew about the restriction on flagpoles before he moved in. Legally speaking, he may not have a case.
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Honestly, I don’t think that he has a case. A homeowners association has the right to set the rules of their association. Normally I agree that a homeowners association should be allowed to set the rules and that if a person who buys a house in the association and does not agree with the rules they should move, but in this case I have to route for the colonel.
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Mr. Pink Eyes – while I agree w/ you on the point that if he knew the rules moving into the neighborhood he probably doesn’t have a case against the HOA, most HOAs (espcially in Texas) have far too much power. And while I understand the role of HOAs (keeping property values up, neighborhood beautification, blah, blah, blah), I still have a very hard time stomaching them. The rules are generally ridiculous, and the fact that they can foreclose on someone’s house simply for not paying an HOA fine or being up to date on HOA dues (in Texas, anyway) makes me want to puke.
Like you, I hope the good Colonel wins the day again.
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I totally agree with you, I do have a problem with an organization telling someone what they can and cannot put in their yard. But I guess in the end there was a contract signed and the judge will probably rule that it must be obeyed. I find it absolutely ridiculous that anyone can find a flagpole unsightly, I think that goes well beyond the line. I do hope that he wins also!
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I don’t think he has a legal case, but those rules aren’t set in stone. They could make an exception for man of his accomplishments. I think he’s earned it.
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I think that many times housing organizations do make exceptions for people if a request has been made. This is certainly a case where they should make an exception.
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As an Iraqi veteran, I find this situation incomprehesible, and embarassing. We are supposed to be the poster child for democracy, but here is a true American hero being denied of his basic rights. I admire the respect and admiration he has for our flag, and I admire the service he has given for our country. I understand that there are limits to what you may display in HOA controlled neighborhoods, but an act of patriotism from a man with the credintials he possesses should not be questioned in the least. I not only think that the case should be dropped, but I think there should be a big apology involved as well!
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Amen Brother! And thank you for your service.
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I totally support this Vet! How anyone can say a flagpole is unsightly is beyond me. Craziness! I don’t think they have a leg to stand on since I understand flagpoles are not listed in the “not allowed” section of the rules!
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I am routing for this vet, I hope that you are right and there is nothing specific in the rules about a flagpole, but even if there is they should make an exception this one time.
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