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Tattered Flags Rattle Emotions

984 views · Published 17 April 2013 · 2:07 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2013 · News & Politics

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by Alyssa Spirato  It's an American symbol that displays freedom and pride for the United States. But one Rossville man says the way it's being displayed at one East Ridge restaurant is bringing disgrace to the country.How can you call yourself an American and let something like this go on,? says Joshua Stephens.Stephens is a fifth generation serviceman serving over a year in the Tennessee State Guard. So naturally, he wanted to serve his country and continue the tradition. After all, his uncle, great grandfather, grandfather and father all have served at one time or another.Which means he takes the oath and the promise seriously. But when he and his dad pulled into an East Ridge Checkers a few days ago, he saw something he wasn't prepared for. He saw a number of American Flags flying over the restaurant. Some of them torn, others faded and dirty.When a flag's dirty, it's no longer a symbol of the United States. It's been disgraced, it needs to be dismantled and done away with the right way, says Stephens.But when he says he went in to speak to management, they told him there was nothing they could do.It just breaks my heart because we got guys that are laying over here in Chattanooga National Cemetery and we got guys that are coming home everyday and they have to come home to see this? That ain't the respect our country or our service men and woman need, says Stephens.He says the thought of disgraced flags flying above a corporate restaurant almost brings him to tears.If you're in this country at all for any length of time you know what America stands for. America don't stand for the disgrace of this flag. That's a disgrace to our country, says Stephens.NewsChannel9 tried contacting corporate for comment. As of Sunday evening, we haven't heard back.

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