Col. Van Barfoot, True American Hero

Ret. Col. Van Barfoot, 90 years of age, veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, lives in a modest residential community outside Richmond, VA.

Every morning at dawn, Col. Barfoot raises his American flag up a 21' flag pole that stands proudly in his front yard.  Every evening at dusk, he lowers that same flag and folds it tri-corner style.  Every day without fail, he dutifully carries out this ritual.

Col. Barfoot is a relatively new resident of this community and his daughter lives several houses away. The homeowners' association of this community hired an attorney who in turn sent Col. Barfoot a registered letter.  This letter told the Colonel that he had a specific amount of time to remove this pole or face legal action.  They cited their demand based on the Homeowner's Association covenants, prohibiting such things that are not "aesthetically pleasing."  How does one define that?  The letter further stated that if he continues to violate this order and fails to remove it by the deadline, he faces daily fines, court costs, and legal fees.

The Colonel's daughter told a local media station that this is physically upsetting her father.  He has been flying his flag on vertical poles as long as he can remember.  The Col. did try to play by the rules, seeking permission before erecting it.  The HOA denied it. When he wanted to appeal, they refused any type of further dialog.

Pictures of him and his home are all over the internet.  A facebook page has also been started on his behalf and as of the this time,  he has over 31,000 friends and supporters. That number continues to grow by the hour.
Numerous organizations have taken up his fight.  Attorneys have offered their assistance pro bono.  This man is a war hero of 3 wars, risking his life, taking prisoners and saving other lives in the process.  Why the hell can't he fly his flag on his own property?  How is flying the American flag on a 21' pole on his front yard an eye sore to others?


The home owner's association says it's not about the flag, but the flag pole.  They demand he conform to standards and do what every one else does.  Why the hell should he?  There is absolutely nothing in the HOA rules that expressly forbids free standing flagpoles.  I'm no attorney, but it's possible he's got a case.  I'm also thinking he's got a lot of friends in high places.
Senators, Governors, VFW, Veteran's Admin, Medal of Honor Society, Patriot Guard Riders, active and retired military personnel, hundreds of thousands strong, are coming to his defense.
 Friday, December 11 is his D-day for this hearing.  I am following this story closely.


Like a true soldier, he will fight for what is right.


Sir, thank you for fighting for our freedom.  We owe you a debt of gratitude.

Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005










The Colonel's home




Footnote:  As of Dec. 8, the law firm of Coates and Davenport withdrew as attorneys representing the Essex Square Homeowner's Association.  
By late in the afternoon, the HOA issued a press release indicating that they would no longer seek legal action against the Colonel.  His flag pole could stay.
I just love happy endings.

DATELINE: Lakewood, WA

Less than a week ago, 4 police officers were viciously gunned down while they were sitting in a coffee shop.  The murderer, Clemmons, was a violent repeat offender, who had been pardoned by then Gov. Huckabee of AR. Huckabee readily admits his mistake, because it seems he thought this dreg of society could be rehabilitated.
Huckabee can't ever make it right.  A lousy apology isn't going to make a difference.
Their blood is on your hands, Huckabee.  How do you sleep at night?

Immediately after this horrible incident, law enforcement everywhere focused on their mission.  Get Clemmons off the street before his police killing spree continued.  One lone police officer, who's name may or not have been released, took the bastard out when Clemmons refused to obey his commands to surrender.  Whoever you are, you have the gratitude of many who wore and continue to wear the badge.

Police blogs everywhere are filled with a varying degree of emotions, along with many memoriams that include pictures of the slain police officers.
Another picture, which could be described as gruesome to the uninitiated, but satisfying to those that suffered this horrendous loss, is of Clemmons lying dead on the road.  The picture is of poor quality but it is obvious Clemmons has a bullet hole in his gut.  I suspect it was taken by an officer or medic off of a cell phone.  Whoever you are, you gotta a lot a balls man!  I seriously hope they never, ever find out who you are.  The brass will rip you a new one and who knows what the media will do.
I will also admit that you sent it to the right source.  DSL will watch your back.

My sympathies and kudos....

            May they rest in peace