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This is the flag that stands in our yard. The pole is about 20-feet tall and we fly a 4X6 all-weather flag from it. It is properly illuminated at all times. By flying our flag on a freestanding pole, we are able to observe protocol by lowering our flag. Now, I'm going to hop onto my soap box for just a moment.
Colonel Van T. Barfoot (Ret.) has a flag pole and flag very similar in size and style to ours. He raises and lowers his flag daily. His homeowners association has determined that his flag is "aesthetically unappealing" and he is facing a lawsuit for refusing to take down his flag. His homeowners association allows only for flags that are mounted on the home, not on freestanding flagpoles. Also, for clarification, the media reports that the homeowners association did not include this ruling in the neighborhood covenants and restrictions at the time he purchased his home.
My disgust with this entire situation is that I cannot understand why any homeowners association would find that flying a modest sized flag from a reasonable-height freestanding flagpole is "aesthetically unappealing" and could somehow drive down the property values for the entire neighborhood. Excuse me? I am proud to fly the US flag at my own home. I do not consider it "aesthetically unappealing" to see a US flag respectfully flown from anyone's home.
To me, this issue isn't about the fact that he is a Medal of Honor recipient, although I would consider it a great honor and privilege to shake his hand. I appreciate the service he willingly provided for our country. What individual would find it offensive to see a homeowner flying the US flag in his own yard? I could understand an objection to an oversized flag. I think it is ridiculous when certain car dealerships fly 100' flags above their car lots. I see that not as patriotism, but advertising. That certainly isn't the case with Col. Barfoot and his flag.
I can only hope the homeowners association for his neighborhood rethinks their new policy and allows any homeowner to fly a modest-sized US flag respectfully, whether mounted on the home or freestanding. In my opinion, the negative publicity generated because of this issue has done far more to tarnish the image of the neighborhood than the freestanding flagpole. Then again, they have tarnished the image of the neighborhood far more than if old tires and discarded bathtubs were used as yard ornaments.
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