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Old 11-12-2012, 12:34   #1
Dusty
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Flag Protest Upsets Neighbors on Veterans Day

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/...n-Veterans-Day

FLEMING ISLAND, Florida (WTLV) -- In a patriotic Florida neighborhood there's one American flag that's standing out on Veterans Day, but it's also causing outrage amongst neighbors.

"I figure if they can burn the flag, if they can spit on it, if they can put it down as a doormat, why can't I fly it upside down?" says Philip Hoezel, a Fleming Island resident.

Philip Hoezel says he served the Navy for seven and half years and is now using his first amendment right to express his dissatisfaction with last Tuesday's election results.

"Under the conditions normally set for the military at sea, if you fly your flag upside down on a ship, it means you're in distress... I think this country is in distress," says Hoezel.

On Wednesday morning after learning that President Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term, Hoezel raised his flag upside down for the first time at this home. Veterans Day just happens to be his fifth day of what he plans to be a four-year-long protest, and it's also the day neighbors began to take notice.

"It's very disturbing... you know 26 years in the Navy, current Navy guy and I thought it was an accident," says Mike Walter, who lives down the street from Hoezel. "Then I did a little research and I realized people are doing this in protest and I just can't believe that on Veterans Day you would be so petty as to fly your flag upside down."

The Fleming Island neighborhood is a patriotic one, with quite a few veterans. Many residents raised their upright flags for Veterans Day and are not outraged by their neighbor's protest -- but by this form of protest on an American holiday.

"I think there's a lot more positive ways to express it. I don't think that's really helping anyone and I think it's probably hurting a lot of people's feelings," says Deb Hand, Hoezel's neighbor.

But Hoezel says that's not his intention. As a veteran, he says he respects the holiday and the country.

"Well, everybody's got their own opinions but the country is the country and no matter how you feel about a certain president, this is not right. So I think he should fix it," says Walter.

Snip
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Old 11-12-2012, 16:38   #2
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My flag is gathering dust in the closet. Has been since November 7th 2008.
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Old 11-12-2012, 18:17   #3
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My flag still flies. I had the Navy Jack until it became unserviceable but may switch to the Skull and Bones....
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Old 11-12-2012, 19:54   #4
Dusty
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DocIllinois View Post
From the US Flag Code:

So there we are. Offense to one's political views is hardly extreme danger. I could be wrong about that but probably not.

http://www.usflag.org/uscode36.html

You don't fool with Old Glory. I don't care how bad someone's feelings get hurt.
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Old 11-13-2012, 14:33   #5
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Me too:

Quote:
Originally Posted by MR2 View Post
My flag is gathering dust in the closet. Has been since November 7th 2008.
I was reluctant to admit it but I stopped flying my flag on Nov 7th 2008. I only fly it twice a year on Memorial day and Veterans day.
I haven't felt this much anger towards an administration since Carter pardoned the draft dodgers that fled to Canada. I find myself drinking more and buying more ammo, that soothes my angst.
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Old 11-13-2012, 14:42   #6
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On Independence Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, if I am at home, I fly the flags of the Republic and the Regiment. Once we have a more responsible Administration, I will fly the Flag of the Republic more often.

Both flags are always flown with Honor and Pride.
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Old 11-13-2012, 19:17   #7
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I am currently flying the thirteen star Colonial flag and a black Gadsden flag.

There are several other options in my flag locker.

I understand his sentiment, but would find another outlet for the politcal statement of flying the flag inverted. That should be saved for situations requiring rescue, IMHO.

TR
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Old 11-14-2012, 07:38   #8
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My US flag is flown 24/7 so there are no doubts as to who occupies the territory upon which I reside.

Richard
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Old 11-14-2012, 07:45   #9
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Ditto
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Old 11-14-2012, 07:56   #10
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I wouldn't do it -

I wouldn't do it - YET.
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Old 11-14-2012, 08:00   #11
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Originally Posted by Kyobanim View Post
Ditto
What they said..
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Old 11-14-2012, 09:05   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ_BPK View Post
What they said..
What he said.
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