Vets see that our flags are still there
Newton veterans are now standing guard over a display of American flags draped on a highway overpass after the display to honor service members was ripped down three times by vandals last week.
The Sons of American Legion Nonantum Post 440 was forced to replace several American flags on the overpass and surrounding a plaque honoring the late Fred McLaughlin, who died in combat in the Vietnam War, on the St. James Street Bridge after they were cut down and destroyed.
“Our members have been watching the bridge and it has been a few days since anything has been done so that is good,” Sr. Vice Commander and Air Force veteran Richard Spalding. “We hope the people were scared away.
“We do it because of the pride we have for the memorial and we want to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Spalding said.
Spalding said the community has received support from neighboring communities and across the country, including donations and offers to help protect the flags since news spread of the destruction.
“We’re all doing this for the family and for respect,” Spalding said. “It has been amazing, we have had people donate money and flags and the outpouring has been unbelievable.”
Volunteers watching the flags at night are hoping to catch the vandals if they return, he said.
“It has been a tough week, very stressful because we take this personally,” Spalding said.
He said members of the post feel the act is malicious and intentional. Spalding pointed out that suspects made sure to leave the corners of the flags hanging so people know what once stood there.
“If they wanted the flags, they could have just cut the zip ties,” Spalding said. “It isn’t some stupid kids playing a prank, they are leaving the pieces ... it is heartbreaking and what they have done is very disheartening for us.”
But, Spalding wanted to make sure the flag was still respected, so he and other members took home the tattered pieces to frame them.
“I want it to be a reminder,” Spalding said. “No matter how many times they try and take it down, we will be out there to put the flags up again.”
He said Newton police are investigating, but no suspect has been named.