59°Angry veteran takes down tattered flag
Sep 02
2011
John Henderson couldn’t take it any longer.
He put down his half-eaten Whopper, got up from his seat inside Burger King on West Perkins Avenue and sauntered outside.
It was late afternoon, about one week ago.
He stopped at the flag pole, where he proceeded to lower the American flag that was flying high above the restaurant.
Henderson, 63, folded up the huge mass of red, white and blue and loaded into his pickup. Then he drove to the nearby VFW post, where he hoped the flag would be “retired properly.”
“When I looked at the flag he brought in, I was astonished — it was terrible,” VFW Post 2529 commander Butch Michel said. “It was frayed out a couple feet.”
When a flag has a tear more than 3 inches long, it should be repaired or retired. This flag’s rips were a few feet long, Henderson said.
“It was knotted and tattered,” Henderson said. “It looked like fingers blowing in the air.
“This wasn’t any recognition of a flag — it was like a rag hanging up there.
“I was going to talk to someone about it, but I just couldn’t let it go,” Henderson said. “There just wasn’t anything to think about — it wasn’t right. I mean, have some respect.”
Later that same day, a Burger King employee reclaimed the flag from VFW Post 2529, post commander Butch Michel said.
“He was cocky and arrogant when he was in here,” Michel said of the employee. “He said he was going to press charges.”
Henderson said the threat of criminal charges doesn’t bother him a bit.
“I don’t care if I go to jail,” he said. “I love my country.”
Henderson, of Marblehead, said he’s a Vietnam vet who was stationed in that country in 1968, during the Tet Offensive. He said he won the Bronze Star with valor for his service.
“I don’t need to steal a flag,” he said. “I fought for it.
“It really burned my ashes to know it was there like that,” he said. “If they have to change the oil in their fries, why don’t they change their flag?”
Burger King’s flag was a whopper indeed — Henderson estimated it weighed about 100 pounds.
“It’s sad how many people in this country don’t care about the flag,” he said. “I was just so upset.”
A few days ago, he went back to the restaurant to turn himself in.
“I just said, ‘Come on, I’m here,’ and gave them my name and address,” he said. “If I have to go to jail for doing what needs to be done, then that’s fine with me.”
The restaurant’s flag pole was naked Wednesday.
A man who identified himself as Burger King’s district supervisor — he said his name is Mac, but refused to provide a last name — said the restaurant has taken the flag in for repairs.
A receptionist at Sandusky R Corporation, the franchisee for the West Perkins Avenue Burger King, declined to comment or provide the name of someone who could comment.
That said, there are no lingering problems, Mac said.
“A flag that size costs $350, and with this wind they don’t last long,” Mac said. “They cost too much money to be replaced every couple weeks.”
Henderson said he takes issue with that philosophy — he watched too many men die under that flag to see it flown with disregard.
“If they’re going to use it for advertising — to make them money — they can at least make sure it’s taken care of,” Henderson said. “If you’re going to fly the flag, do it right.”
Henderson said he’s not aiming to harm any business’ image, but he does want folks to respect the flag.
He said he pulled down another flag last week, in fact, at a local gas station.
That store’s manager assured Henderson he’d put up a new flag soon.
“It’s a living symbol of our sacrifices,” Henderson said. “The average person can’t understand what it’s like to put yourself in harm’s way. That is what makes (veterans) a little more sensitive about the flag.”
It’s all the more important when soldiers are dying overseas, he said.
“A lot of guys are getting killed over there in Afghanistan as we speak,” he said. “It’s real important to those families that people respect the flag.”
At the VFW post, folks seem sympathetic to Henderson’s cause.
“Personally, I think he did the right thing. I’ve got to stand by him,” Michel said. “Burger King got its flag back, but I see that same flag flying again, it’ll be me over there giving them hell.”
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02:02 AM
shitou77 says
I visited many pages and find this one is the most useful for me,thank you very much!
08:14 PM
eightballcuet1 says
These blogs have turned into a joke. It's been a week now, give it a rest.
06:38 PM
Centauri says
Also, I knew of guys who had committed offenses who were given the choice of: Jail or military service.
Whether he enlisted or was drafted is absolutely no reason to ignorantly spit on his service.
Many thousands died
So very sad
Yet many who made that order are still alive today and breathing the Earth's air
05:13 PM
6079 Smith W says
Good ol' "live and let live" meowmix writes:
" LBJ never asked guys of our age to do anything--they had no choice back then.. It was only luck, as I said, that my husband, who graduated in 1971, his number never came up.
" You're a "guy" and you have a "husband"? Do you actually read what you write?
"They had no choice"? Thank you for admitting that Democrats like slave labor. (WW1, WW11, Korea, Vietnam.)
Of course they had a choice: Canada, possible CO status or prison among others.
Also, I knew of guys who had committed offenses who were given the choice of: Jail or military service.
Whether he enlisted or was drafted is absolutely no reason to ignorantly spit on his service.
Didn't watch the debate. I'm an independent. Ask questions cupcake, don't assume.
04:37 PM
meowmix says
I just watched the video of Mr. H for the first time today. Hence, my new opinion of him posted earlier. Big, loud mouthed bigot wanting his 15 minutes of fame. That or he was drunk. No one goes around looking for a fight like that. A true soldier/gentleman would have done as my previous posters suggested and that is to have implored the local VFW to have provided a new flag instead of making a scene.
04:29 PM
meowmix says
Smithy said : " He only went to 'Nam and did what your boy; that lying, murdering, SOB Democratic President LBJ asked him to do and you have the insensitivity to berate him for it?"
What the hell are you talking about for one thing Smith? First thing I want to know was Henderson drafted or did he volunteer? LBJ never asked guys of our age to do anything--they had no choice back then.. It was only luck, as I said, that my husband, who graduated in 1971, his number never came up.
Laughing my ass of over the discrepancy over who won last night's GOP debate. Seems to me Smithy your party is comprised of big mouthed losers.
You folks got nothing to offer...only hatred and bigotry.
01:18 PM
6079 Smith W says
meowmix writes:
"Besides, he (Mr. Henderson) does look and sound like a big, know-it-all arse-hole. I think his hat and shirt says it all for him...."
Yet more musings from a kind and gentle liberal-socialist-Democrat who lives by a code of "live and let live"?
He only went to 'Nam and did what your boy; that lying, murdering, SOB Democratic President LBJ asked him to do and you have the insensitivity to berate him for it?
12:57 PM
meowmix says
Mr. Henderson respected it so much but still took it down and "didn't have time" to properly fold it while taking it down.
Seems to me he made rules up as he was going along. You either respect in all aspects or don't respect it at all---can't pick and choose what treatment of the flag you wish to observe and those you don't
Besides, he does look and sound like a big, know-it-all arse-hole. I think his hat and shirt says it all for him....
09:25 AM
bodinbalance says
Run out and get another one made in China.
06:38 PM
Sandusky Regist... says
I agree with you wholeheartedly eightballcuet1!
06:38 PM
Sandusky Regist... says
I agree with you wholeheartedly eightballcuet1!
04:40 PM
Sandusky Regist... says
Oh excuse me, Mr. Butch Michell, Commander of VFW Post 2529, just how much of the BS do you expect me to believe -- It actually took a man who lives in Port Clinton to make you aware of something that was literally flying in your face. WHY didn't you and YOUR POST do something about it BEFORE Mr. Henderdon took the flag to you! I can't believe you or at least one of your MEMBERS didn't see that tattered flag flying when your post is less than a half mile from that Burger King. You should be charged with receiving stolen property. Show some respect and just have some of your vet buddies pitch in and buy a new flag for the Burger King or take it out of your members dues or is that not patriotic. Same goes for the Eagles -- they are just down the street on the other side of Burger King.
03:44 PM
Sandusky Regist... says
In my opinion, Mr. Henderson, you are a thief. Plain and simple. I don't care that you faught for this county (I really do) but that is not the point here. Instead of complaining about the tattered flag and then taking matters into your own hands -- how about replacing it. The man who owns(ed) that particular Burger King Franchise was a local guy who has passed on. How about honoring him and his desire (i.e. patriotism) to even have the flag there in the first place by putting your money where your mouth is and run a new one up the pole you stole that tatteredone from! You may be a vet but YOU sir need a lesson in respect and self-control. All you did was make a spectacle of yourself!
02:10 PM
Retiree says
Meowmix: I do agree with what you stated," you can not compare WW11 to Korea or VietNam". Our involvement in Korea was a request from the United Nations along with other countries. As far as Viet Nam, the United States first sent in advisors to help South VietNam's army against the North Viet Nameese and Viet Cong. "Arvin soldiers", was the name of South Viet Nam's army advisor's were training. When the North kept sending more and more troops to the South, that is when the U.N.got involved. Troops from Australia and South Korea were the only ones stationed in the area I was in, but I know other countries were involved.
You said something about a "burning a bra". If you do, make sure you are wearing it.
09:47 AM
Mama of 4 says
For once I agree with Raoul Duke... just get a new damn flag. You can tell me that during CP season one days profits wasnt at LEAST 350? So for one days profits you can buy a new flag. Even if it were a weeks worth of profits every couple months everything would have been for the better.
And yes everyone is starting to miss the point. But I think the point is that if you dont fly the flag correctly dont fly it all. Same as if you complain about this country and how it run. You dont like it? Guess what here you have the freedom to just LEAVE. Go to a third world country and then come back and tell me how it is so much worse here.
In my mind there should be laws aganist stealing yes. But I also think it should be aganist the law to flag a tattered flag. Then taking down the flag wouldnt be stealing, it would be somewhat your civic duty.
12:26 AM
EZOB says
Semper Fi is actually an abreviation of sort for, "I Think", Semper Fidelis. You have to keep it very short for those "Jarheads". It means Faithful or Always Faithful. Don't call them a Jarhead unless you actually have served. I can call them Jarhead because it is out of respect for another brother who has actually served. You'll be picked apart real quick if you are a phony.
12:16 AM
EZOB says
I was told that the Manager went to the VFW the same day and picked the up the flag. Get this, He said he was going to have it "FIXED". Supposedly, this is the Truith.
11:49 PM
Raoul Duke says
Why doesn't the Burger King manager just run down to WalMart and buy a new flag.
11:09 PM
FST says
To: the general.... I served my 25 with honor as a US Marine. I can tell by your comments that there is no way you were a general or anything much over private and were most likely discharged under less than honorable conditions. And that is if you even really served in the USMC. Do you even know what Semper Fi means? Anybody who has served in the US Marines would know by your comments that you are NOT a US Marine. You should be ashamed of your self for pretending to be something it is obvious you never were.
10:42 PM
Centauri says
Whether is is tattered, whether it is ripped, doesn't matter, it is the actuality behind what it represents that is what is most important.
I'm tired of faux Americans who hide behind this wonderful flag when they are actually racists and bigots.
Good comment kitty cat : )
09:25 PM
Julie R. says
@ meowmix: If Kasich want to cut medicaid funding for nursing homes, I don't blame him one bit. Dirty attorneys and financial institutions aren't only criminally defrauding the elderly and incompetent at the end of their lives, they are also assisting in MEDICAID FRAUD with the help of that joke Erie County Probate Court.
05:13 PM
eightballcuet1 says
I think alot of people have lost sight of what this whole story was about. Long story short, I don't care if you're a veteran or not, you have no right to go onto private property and remove something without the consent of the owner. It's no different than someone taking a gnome from your landscaping. It's still theft. Being a veteran does not exempt you from the law!!!!!
04:11 PM
meowmix says
You know what beep? Your post was absolutely wonderful and I am being totally sincere. You want to know why? Because you actually know the true meaning behind that flag. Whether is is tattered, whether it is ripped, doesn't matter, it is the actuality behind what it represents that is what is most important.
I'm tired of faux Americans who hide behind this wonderful flag when they are actually racists and bigots.
I love this county with all of my heart. I don't need a flag to know this.
General: you are still a sorry piece of work ...semper fi my arse..a real Marine wouldn't disrespect our CIC. Simper fi is probably more your speed.
04:00 PM
Raoul Duke says
Sorry man. I must have you mixed up with someone who turned out to be a real douche bag.
03:17 PM
The General says
Kibbles, I love it, open mouth insert foot. Its a beautiful thing. Oh and don't believe everything Raoul "thinks" he knows
Semper Fi
03:53 PM
The General says
6079,
He he he ....the same place she learned to spell "chardonet"
Raoul, er jimmy, Do really know me? Do you?
Semper Fi
03:13 PM
beepx22 says
Meowmix, Real Americans know that the Flag represents a long and bloody history, and the people that have helped give us our freedom. Real Americans want to see that flag flown because it represents us, not to prove that someone is patriotic, Real Americans were flying the flag before 9-11. and still are, They know how to properly retire and repect a flag. Real Americans know that when a flag is draped over a coffin, it's the give that fallen soilder or public servent their last, and greatest respect. That flag is a symbol that unifies us together as one nation. If it doesn't mean anything to you, then that's you, but you're not a real american, you're just a hanger on, and someone who thinks they're better than other folks. I've never served, but i know the respect for that flag, I've know people who have bled and cried for that flag, and you Meowmix, are a disgrace to them, and this fine country.
02:22 PM
6079 Smith W says
@ meowmix:
"Live and let live" eh?
Speaking of education: Can you spell "hypocrite"?
01:57 PM
meowmix says
Retiree said:
"You really can not compare WW11 to Korea or VietNam"
I posted first: this comment :
" And if you even think for one minute to compare WWII with Korea, Vietnam or Iraq then maybe you should actually go back to school "
You really should read a little closer Retiree...gee, kinda looks like you agree with me.
01:42 PM
meowmix says
Nope, screw ball in the corner pocket of your functioning brain is probably more apt in your case-- ding-a-ling.
01:35 PM
meowmix says
Hey General....lay you odds you're a phoney-baloney. You think you have slammed-dunked me you little creature? In your wildest dreams. Burn my bra? LOLOLOLOLO No, instead I went and got myself a college degree and whipped your ass you fool.
Retiree says "some people don't have a clew"
And some people should go back to school and get an education.
Which proves my point. Real American's don't feel that a flag represents anything. REAL Americans love this country even if it is trying to be overtaken by ignorant racists that want to prove a point by harassing some teenage in a f-ing burger king.
Big man you are general. Hey, I have a bra in my drawer that I forgot to burn if you want to wear it on a night out on the town with your buds...............
Oh, and Julie, I would suggest you research what Kasuck wants to do to cut medicaid funding to nursing homes and tell me just who is the "trash" that wants to defraud our seniors.
11:16 AM
Raoul Duke says
Especially to my uncle who WAS a Marine, and served in Vietnam.
11:09 AM
BW1 says
kal-el says
Did BW1 really post a defense of the confederacy? In an article about respecting the flag of the UNION?
I clarified their motives; whether they were justified or correct, you can judge for yourself.
09:46 AM
Raoul Duke says
Stop saying you were a Marine. It's an insult to ALL veterans.
09:34 AM
The General says
Hey eightballcuet1,
Eight ball in the corner pocket.....ding
Semper Fi
09:31 AM
The General says
Whoa c'mon there Raoul, that hurt.......wait....OMG of course, Jimmy? Jimmy is that you? JimmmmYYYY Egoooooo! Yesssss Raoul Duke IS Jimmy Ego
08:48 AM
Julie R. says
If it weren't for people like John that fought for our freedom, dirty attorneys and other trash wouldn't have the freedom to criminally defraud the elderly at the end of their lives.
01:52 AM
kal-el says
Did BW1 really post a defense of the confederacy? In an article about respecting the flag of the UNION?
Wow.
01:41 AM
EZOB says
Yeah, although time in Prison probably isn't something to brag about I'd have to say the bigger crooks and liars are in congrees and the senate. You know the familiar saying, "I'd rather have a daughter in a wh^&% house than a son who is a politician.
The main reason we get sent to so many wars is that it's the Chicken S&^ts that are in charge. If it were a law that serving in the Military was a mandatory requisite of being a senator or at least the president they would have a different view of waging war. The reason that our wars last years is that we play by rules. Our tacticks s$^k, if you are fighting a "fair" fight, you are waiting for the other guy to win. If they have a knife, use a gun. If they have guns, call in artillery or an air strike.
I was told to study history by Meowmix. I don't have to study history, all I have to do is recall what has happened recently, meaning in my time. Let just recall a few not counting 911 o0r Ft. Hood because you surely remember those incidents. Weren't their a couple European air crashes, the German bombing, the US Navy ship,the Cole, remember that incident? Maybe the Lebanon barracks rings a bell or the Iranian hostage crisis, beheading our troops, or maybe you recall hte three hikers who were taken by Iran, certainly you can go back that far. It's your money but you probably spend more money taking your cat to the Vet than you'd ever invest in supporting our country or a veteran. No person likes to feel like they "owe" another but you can pay now or pay later for your freedoms. Four dollar gas higher food prices, it hasn't slowed the politicians or the President. If we are to be saved from this mess it might be left up to the military. I sure hope it doesn't come to that point but that's a last ditch option and the politicians are aware of it. We surely wouldn't be the first country to fall under military control and it is an option that Washington is aware, listen to the Generals.
12:37 AM
Raoul Duke says
Yeah, the General served...time in prison.
11:37 PM
EZOB says
Meowmix & other Liberal Fools,
Number (1) I graduated with honors and am very proud of my military achievments. You really don't have a clue and worse than that, you are dangerous because you honestly think you are educated. Dumb people who realize they lack everyday skills are mostly harmless, it's people like you that think they are very smart and lack the least bit of common sense that become dangerous.
Yes, Bush got us into Iraq but not by His act alone. If you care to remember, I really didn't expect you to mention this, Bush had the approval of Congress unlike our "GUY" who put our men in harms way in Libya. Wait, wasn't this a Democratic House and Senate??? No, couldn't Be, Could it???
In Vietnam we were supported by Brown and Root just like Haliburton does in Iraq. I'll tell you who started Brown and Root, Would you believe Lady Bird Johson's Father? Probably not!!! So Brown and Root has become Kellogg's Brown and Root (KBR on the New yor Stock exchange). Please, would anyone look this up and verify my information. They dredged the port of Da Nang provided power to Long Binh Post and Bien Hoa airfield through Vennel Corp. etc.
We were called to action in Vietnam when our good friends, the French were over-run and Ho Chi Minh asked for our help but We didn't want to interfere with a French posession. Ho Chi Minh then turned to Moscow for help for his people who the French used as slaves in the rice fields and rubber plantations. The life expectancy was between 32 and 33 years old. This area was very important to us during WW 11 because of the rubber plantations. Some us can recall reading about the rubber ration cards during WW11. Tires were at an extreme premium and that is why French Indo-China ( which included South Vietnam) was important to our Military. South Vietnam was on our side. France couldn't protect their own homeland, much less a posession.
I didn't vote for Bush and most surely didn't vote for O'Bama but just would like to ask??? Does anyone remember Bush trying to for some kind of banking department when he thought the banking was going to be our down fall? I think it was Congressman Barney Frank who was mainly against this as well as Greenspan, could be wrong. I think it was at the start of his first term and I was thinking, Another government department. "If" this fact, Bush seen this coming in 2001.
Meowmix???? What do you call a Black Man Flying an airplane??? Please answer!!!
11:33 PM
Factitious says
"Hippies"? Really? That's an anachronistic reference to a movement that peeked over 40 years ago and largy dissappeared from view soon after. Goes to show the BIGGEST problem with the Vietnam War -- it tore the country apart and we never healed. Thanks, "Greatest Generation"!
Counrty Joe McDonald understood.
_____________
10:32 PM
eightballcuet1 says
@General
Sounds to me like you are nothing more than a racist!!!! NO honorable Marine would EVER call his commander in chief "boy"! I really have my doubts as to whether you ever served in the armed forces. Probably just an unglorified spokesman for an insurance company.
09:01 PM
The General says
Folks you just can't reason with Libs and Hippies....
Semper Fi
07:48 PM
Retiree says
Not all of the 58,000 men or women that were killed in Viet Nam were drafted. The ratio was three to one in favor of the draftee. The United Nations was requested by South Viet Nam to help in stopping the North from invading the South. North Viet Nam wanted all of Viet Nam to be Communist and under one ruler, Ho Che Min. North Viet Nam was supported by Russia, China and North Korea which were all communist countries. At that time,1964-1975, there were thirty four countries that were communist. Today, there is a total of four countries under communist rule. You really can not compare WW11 to Korea or VietNam. Germany declared war three days after Japan struck Pearl Harbor. The other three wars were all petitioned through the United Nations. The fear of Communism was a great concern during Korea and Viet Nam but the first Iraq war was one country invading another. The second Iraq war, I could not tell you why the United States went there. People should be thankfull for the men and women in uniform, for their sacrifices, to keep us free from communism or a dictator like Saddam. I would sure pray that if this great country was ever invaded, people would fight instead burning draft cards.
06:45 PM
Retiree says
Some people just don't have a clew.
06:26 PM
proudamerican says
This is directed toward meowmix comments Apparently YOU forgot about 911 who invaded who there? and who killed almost 3,000 of our americans? and didnt the japenese bomb pearl harbor 1st? i had a brother serve a year in iraq a year of HELL fighting for us and OUR FREDOM!! and one more thing this is AMERICA!!! LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!!!! I agree 100% with what Mr. Henderson did by taking down the worn out flag!
04:54 PM
Amythe K says
It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on
buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic
effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated
during hours of darkness.23
It is not considered disrespectful to fly a flag during prolonged periods of
inclement weather, the flag should be lowered during brief periods of precipitation.
The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for
display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.37
04:34 PM
LabMan says
Ya did it again General LOL. People who know me know I am not easily humored. Your last few posts were stand up funny to me at least and may be correct.
6079 you are correct that it is a lot of work for little meat.
04:10 PM
The General says
Kibble Bits er Meowmix, please. A couple things. 1. lose the hemp sandals, 2. Bathe. 3. shave your underarms. 4. Burn your bra, no wait don't, that would just broaden your carbon footprint. Now go pay homage to your "bo..." uh hum your goof-ball- in-chief. Have you seen my pumps? Luv ya..
Semper Fi