SAN ANTONIO – Some local veterans were fighting mad Thursday after someone stole the American flag from a pole in front of their American Legion Post.
Lupe Barrera, Post Commander of American Legion Post 2, said the flag was swiped from the pole sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
"All they had to do was just come into the office and ask for a flag and we would gladly give them a flag of their own," Barrera said. "We can go out and buy one to suit our needs but just the simple fact that the memories it's got."
Barrera said the flag had flown over the post proudly for the past five years. Prior to that it had flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. It was given to them by Congressman Charlie Gonzalez.
Barrera said it's the first time the post has ever lost a flag.
"Nobody messed with our flags," Barrera said. "Especially the U.S. flag which all of the veterans at this post and all over the city, state and nation honor our flag because our comrades fought and died for the freedom that we have now."
The flag was flying at half mast in honor of the victims of the Colorado shooting when it was taken. At first Barrera thought someone grabbed it and pulled it down.
He later realized that the thief broke open the lock box on the pole.
"It's just the simple fact that someone in this city has the gall to come and take a veterans organization flag," Barrera said.
The post is now trying to find a new flag to fly but they really want the old one back.
"We'll take it back no questions asked. Our mailbox is right over there just drop it in our mailbox. I hope you have the guts to do that," Barrera said referring to the thief.
For a list of recent stories Tim Gerber has done, click here.