Thugs Destroy 200 American Flags at NC Cemetery
Police in North Carolina are hunting for three people accused of stealing and vandalizing more than 200 American flags at Salisbury Veterans Memorial Park just days before Memorial Day, according to WBTV and WCCB.
“The theft and vandalism of Salisbury Veterans Memorial Park is disgraceful and does not reflect North Carolina’s values,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC). “We honor our veterans and respect the sacrifices they made for this country.”
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Police said the flags were replaced — only to be vandalized again the next day. Surveillance photos showed three persons of interest and vehicles believed to be connected to the case, according to WBTV.
“As we head into Memorial Day weekend, let this remind the next generation: North Carolina stands proudly with our veterans,” said Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) on X. “We honor their sacrifice, respect their service, and remain grateful for the freedoms they defend. These actions do not represent Salisbury or North Carolina as a whole.”
The vandalism outraged residents in the patriotic North Carolina town. Beverly Leonard, who helps care for the memorial, told WSOC-TV she helps place 400 flags there every year.
“I can’t get my mind around it,” Leonard said. “It’s all about the veterans and the ones who have died.”
WSOC-TV reported that a wreath at the Vietnam Memorial was also destroyed. Neighbor Sherry Klaver, whose grandfather served in Vietnam, helped replace some of the stolen flags.
“This is heartbreaking because I’m very patriotic,” Klaver told the station. Her 7-year-old daughter, Abigail, had a message for the vandals: “If there are people who do not like our country, it’s alright if they do not like our country, but they should not take down our flag.”
The incident also prompted a young local resident, Tyler Houck, to visit nearby Salisbury National Cemetery to check on his great-grandfather’s grave. Houck told WBTV he was relieved the marker was untouched, but noticed other flags appeared to be missing or knocked down.
“It was a good feeling knowing that he wasn’t touched,” Houck said, “but when I got over there one of the first things that I noticed is that there were flags missing on the ground.”
Houck then walked the cemetery grounds, restoring misplaced flags so fallen warriors would be honored for Memorial Day.
“I feel like it’s important to support them,” he told WBTV. “The families and the veterans. You never know what people are going through.”