US

Update: Ohio Veteran Wins Fight to Fly American Flag on Pole Outside House

Update: Ohio Veteran Wins Fight to Fly American Flag on Pole Outside HouseWe first brought you the story of Army veteran Fred Quigley last Monday, when he was fighting his Ohio homeowners association (HOA) for the right to erect a flagpole outside his house and fly an American flag on it. The HOA said Quigley didn’t get proper permission. Quigley said state and federal law says HOAs can’t regulate American flag-flying. And now, it appears the HOA has relented.

WEWS-TV reports that the Summit County homeowners association, which oversees Quigley’s home at the Villas at Taramina in Macedonia, OH, has given up its fight to force Quigley to take down his pole. The disagreement between the two had sparked lively debate, with the local American Legion post even staging a flag-raising protest in support of Quigley.

WEWS says Quigley’s attorney, Gerry Patronite, was informed via a hand-delivered letter Thursday evening that Quigley would be allowed to keep the pole.

Now, the local American Legion post that earlier staged a protest will return on July 4 to conduct a celebratory flag-raising.

“We expect quite a large turnout,” Legion commander John J.C. Sullivan told ABC News. “A lady called from California who’s a singer of patriotic songs. She’ll be there sing.”

Support like that has come in from far-off places even farther away than California. Quigley told ABC he’s heard from supporters in London, India, and beyond.

“I’ve gotten calls from Macedonia,” he said. “I don’t mean from Macedonia, Ohio. I mean from Macedonia.”

But now he’s hoping some of those people will offer more than just emotional support. He said he’s incurred 40 to 50 hours of legal time defending himself and the pole. And that comes at a cost.

“I’m a retiree,” he told ABC, “and living on a fixed income.”

To help with his costs, his daughter, Karen Wilson, has established a legal defense fund, via Facebook, to which people can donate.

Comments (161)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • Ronko
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:40pm

    That is good news, good for him.

    Report Post »  
  • helluvagoodgod
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:37pm

    You HO’s can have my guns too, but you will be getting the business of them!
    Happy birthday America.

    Report Post »  
  • vennoye
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:35pm

    Good for him!! Happy Fourth of July!!

    Report Post » vennoye  
  • Hefsmaster
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:31pm

    As you all stand tall and proud today praising the flag on the day of it’s biggest meaning. Independence from great britain. Celebrating it’s very being with fireworks from the country that you now depend on, china. May you reflect in reality with just how far we have come.

    Report Post » Hefsmaster  
  • Codger
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:23pm

    On July 4th huh? Once again GOD has shed his light on thee.

    Report Post » Codger  
  • andredegas
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:19pm

    God Bless America!

    Report Post » andredegas  
  • GBroxs
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:10pm

    OK, as i have kept up with this story i have had a hard time understanding this…….The way i read it was that the HOA had no problem with him flying the Stars and Stripes or any flag for that matter, but that it needed to be attached to the house. He wanted a flag pole. Easy enough, go through the HOA. I read that he didnt do that. I am not a fan of HOAs, but if you CHOOSE to move into a neighborhood with one, you agree to abide by the rules or bring up proposed changes to the board. Now he says he is on a fixed income and wants people to donate to his legal fund for a problem that was over blown, i believe, by him. The flag was never disallowed, just no poles. I dont really get this one.

    Report Post »  
  • Grandma-Revere
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:08pm

    I believe HOA’s are a part of Agenda 21…

    Report Post » Grandma-Revere  
  • football lady
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:05pm

    HOA’s are a such a pain. They are “big fishes in a little pond” who are on a power trip. Too dumb to to appreciate they don’t have big problems to deal with.

    Report Post »  
  • Grandma-Revere
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:04pm

    Long May She Wave!!!!

    Report Post » Grandma-Revere  
  • Aaron in Polk County
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:02pm

    @Banjarmon
    Right on!

    @Poverty.sucks
    There is no Heaven. Idiot.

    @Spankdamonkey
    HOA prevent ridiculously large flags, but in this story, his flag pole seems to be reasonable size.

    @MintyGuy
    We are living under a tyrant now. (PresBO)

    @Uechi
    HOA can be a nightmare to fight because there is little to nothing you can do to appeal their decisions.

    @Its Gonna Getcha
    There is such a place, it’s commonly known as France.

    @Angelite49
    HOA board members are held personally accountable (in Florida) if they are not insured. So, here you can sue them, and hurt them financially.

    @Catb
    Right back at you brother!

    @Duckman1911
    Shoot faster.

    @Sarcasticus
    You might have the coolest parents ever to give you that name.

    @chicagothugbucket
    We are still hoping the change turn towards personal freedom, not regulation.

    Report Post » Aaron in Polk County  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:00pm

    ONE NATION UNDER GOD….
    You go, AMERICA, and may GOD BLESS HIS COUNTRIES~~~ THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ISRAEL. And, may HE BLESS HIS KIDS all over the world, especially THIS DAY that HE HAS MADE. IN JESUS’ SWEET NAME, AMEN!

    Report Post »  
  • RedPepper2
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:00pm

    Many Americans experience patriotic chills running up their neck when viewing their flag flying high on the flag pole.To allow any group, organization or person to belittle the flying of our flag is a disgrace to the thousands of people who sacrificed their lives in protecting our way of life here in the old U S of A. May we never stop flying the flag or disrespect its place in history. To the people who think our flag is disrepectful, please rush to the nearest exit and don’t let the door hit you in the behind.

    Report Post »  
  • mr.goodvibe
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:00pm

    Just came from a Parade in Middletown OH. Was quite disapointed. Few people clapped for the veterans. My daughter and I made it a point to even when were the only ones. No one threw any candy. What has happened to us. Felt like I was in a group of a bunch of sorry sacks who take our country and our military for granted. This story lifts my spirits on this day. Ever want to see patriotic 4th celebrations, go to Upper Peninsula of Mich and Northern lower Mich. Wish I was back there. Anyway Happy Fourth everyone. Happy Birthday America and God Bless America, my home sweet home.

    Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
    • ohio
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:35pm

      Agree with you. That was a sorry parade, no more candy because they are afraid someone will get hurt. And it seemed most were there since they had nothing else to do.

      Report Post »  
    • redtigger
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 8:34pm

      so, instead of complaining about what others do or don’t..what did you do? some folks are not feeling very american..they listen to all the garbage so they have lost the spirit. so if the parade folks are not throwing candy..are you? if they are not having the block parties on the 4th like they use to..are you?folks are drinking obama’s kool-aide…are you opening a “founding-fathers” kool-aide stand, while wearing the same costume they wore at the last kool-aide stand..hint it was a tea-party?

      Report Post »  
    • SingerGuy
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 1:15am

      I was in Provo, Utah for America’s Freedom Festival Grand Parade. This is possibly the reddest county in America, and the patriotism gushes on the Fourth. Except, that is, for the two women sitting in front of us at the parade. As the color guard came by at the start of the parade nearly everyone put their hands on their hearts. I and a few of my fellow veterans snapped crisp salutes. These two women stood there like dolts. I had to really bite down hard on my tongue to avoid giving them a piece of my mind.

      Report Post » SingerGuy  
    • klg1956
      Posted on July 6, 2011 at 1:59am

      I know how you feel….we were watching Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show on TV and the songs they played were idiotic……only a couple good patriotic songs and the rest were MTV’s hits which has nothing to do with the 4th of July…it‘s like they didn’t know why they were there singing…..what’s happening to our country? Are we so politically correct (anti-American) that we can’t even celebrate America anymore? I think that is the direction we are going.

      Report Post »  
  • leary1
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:53pm

    Common sense crept in and somebody made the proper descision. GOD BLESS AMERICA and ALL THAT HAVE SERVED to PROTECT HER !!!

    Report Post »  
  • CHICAGOTHUGBUCKET
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:52pm

    Hope and Change I can believe in “Common Sense”!

    Report Post » CHICAGOTHUGBUCKET  
  • sarcasticus
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:51pm

    “The HOA said Quigley didn’t get proper permission.”
    I suppose if he improper permission, that wouldn’t have helped his case, either-but he still won.
    IN YO FACE!!!

    Report Post »  
  • duckman1911
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:50pm

    They can take down my flag when I run out of ammo… I hope they pack a lunch cause its gona take a while…
    LIVE FREE OR DIE!!!!!!

    Report Post » duckman1911  
    • bigben357mag
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:48pm

      And with the weapons I own, i hope they have a good supply of body bags!! And I do mean it!! Touch my flag, over my dead body!

      Report Post »  
  • angelite49
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Everything I hear about HOAs seems to indicate they are managed/directed by individuals whose positions have gone to their heads; whose relatively minuscule “power” in the world is wielded like a big club; and whose arbitrary permissions are granted to those who follow the arbitrary rules. HOAs should pride themselves on being less intrusive rather than more, but it seems to be against human nature to minimize one‘s own authority over one’s peers. “Officious Little People.”

    Report Post » angelite49  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:41pm

      you realize that if there were only three people on the ENTIRE planet, you can be sure that two of the people would be at war with each other to see whom would have control of the third….It’s human nature!!

      Report Post »  
    • AmeriaMan
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:15pm

      If the Feds were not controlled by our Constatution they would be like HOAs, thirsty and greedy for power over the people. Shame on you HOA, now foot the legal bills.

      Report Post » AmeriaMan  
    • rjtaurus605
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 10:25pm

      I lived in a HOA during and after 9/11, and I erected a 20 ft flagpole(illuminated at night) so I could show my support to my country. It was against the rules, but the BOD of the HOA , turned a blind eye, knowing what was right. The only comment was that it be properly displayed and maintained. I do not consider these organizations evil. People who move in to these communities are supposed to read and agree to the rules and regulations, they are not forced to move in, and they do so knowing the rules are imposed to protect property values.

      Report Post »  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 3:38pm

      Managers/Superintendents of these types of gated communities are usually non-citizens….

      Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Wondering, if you take all the people who are offended by the American flag, give them their own separate and gated domain away from the rest of us, would they eventually end up with a twin of America? Or would they be raising a blank white flag?

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
    • rangerrebew
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 4:28pm

      Not a blank white flag but a white flag with some guy on his knees begging for mercy.

      Report Post »  
    • tmo16
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 2:32pm

      Wouldn’t it be nice to find out? I think anyone who hates this country, its flag, its laws should just pack up and leave. NO ONE will stop them! I bet there would be quite a few who would gladly chip in for the airfare.

      Just one condition — they could NEVER come back.

      Report Post »  
    • johngs54
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 3:09pm

      My Father who was an Immigrant from Germany in the 30s. Fought in WWII for America. Before he passed he would say, “If you don’t like it here, I will pay to send you anywhere you want to go. But, you must drop your American Citizenship. Well, No takers….

      Report Post » johngs54  
    • Floorguy
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 6:11pm

      I have made that offer more times than I can remember, to those ******* & moaning about how we should be like Europe.

      No takers.

      Report Post » Floorguy  
    • NYHuguenot
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 11:50pm

      No, a red one with a hammer and sicle.

      Report Post »  
  • Uechi
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:37pm

    Hey HOA kiss my grits you jerks!

    Report Post »  
  • Mintyguy
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:36pm

    Happy Independence Day from the tyrants.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:35pm

    .
    He needs to plant one “BIG ASS FLAG” in the behind of that HOA……….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:34pm

    If you died today, would you go to heaven?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • The_Hut_In_Co
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:28pm

      Yes, I would, but not thru anything I’ve done! But by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

      Report Post » The_Hut_In_Co  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:37pm

      ahh…guess that’s not for me, or you, to decide…IS IT??????

      Report Post »  
    • SLEUTH
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:00pm

      POVERTY.SUCKS…..If you died today, would you go to heaven?

      I know for SURE do you? why? ’cause the Holy Spirit is in me and He assures me as such.
      I am sealed in the Spirit.

      SLEUTH  
    • salvawhoray
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:51pm

      depends if you were alone in the woods when the tree fell and killed you.

      Report Post » salvawhoray  
    • Verus Langham
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 9:52pm

      Of what relevance is your crude question? Do you purposefully try to come across as a one-liner buffoon?

      Report Post » Verus Langham  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:31pm

    FLY HIGH and PROUD!!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Score one AGAINST the HOA …. Thank you for your service and Happy July 4th to all!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • watchmany2k
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:02pm

      Seems to me that the HOA should be sued for court costs as well.
      These “associations’ only exist to act like mini governments and add to the cost of living.
      i live in a community around a lake, and after 25 years they are trying to organize an association
      their letter talks about rules and safety on the lake, and of course fee’s so they can DO stuff. They can’t figure out why nobody will give them their e-mail addresses. LOL.

      As far as the US Flag, we should either:
      1) make a federal law that supercedes all other laws that everyone has the right to fly it ANYwhere.
      2) start a $ pool to help pay for fights, I wonder how many give up against the commies because of $ expenses ?

      Report Post » watchmany2k  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 9:24am

      You wrote:
      “1) make a federal law that supercedes all other laws that everyone has the right to fly it ANYwhere”

      We already have one. It’s called the constitution.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • netman349
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 6:06pm

      Hey HOA, do the letters “F” and “U” mean anything to you?

      Report Post »  
    • American Soldier (Separated)
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:04pm

      So why ever honor contracts any more? Fine, give yourself a victory, don‘t expect ANY of your contracts you’ve made to be honored. What if your VA benefits got cancelled for sh**s and giggles? Eh, who cares, we don’t honor contracts any more in this country, do we?

      Great precedent to set there soldier. Like HOA or not, it was a mutually accepted contract between the community and the homeowner. He didn’t have to accept that contract nor move into that community.

      I find it hilarious that a bunch of freedom loving, free market conservatives would applaud someone breaking a contract they willingly joined. We’ll see how proud you are when one of your clients, or your boss, decides that your contract to retain employment and a paycheck is just….. invalid…..

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • tweigel
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:12pm

      It’s called standing up for your rights when you know your right. Obviously the so called restriction wasn’t in the contract correctly or it would have been upheld in court. I am tired, as I’m sure many freedom loving, free market conservatives are of groups trying to enforce their personal preferences on others. If you want to give up your rights to the majority, it’s up to you. I live in a Republic in which the Constitution of the United States still reigns supreme. The day you can‘t fly your own country’s flag at your own residence is the day that this country is in deep trouble.

      From another separated soldier

      Report Post » tweigel  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:22pm

      @tweigel
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:12pm
      ‘The day you can‘t fly your own country’s flag at your own residence is the day that this country is in deep trouble.’
      ***********************
      The issue wasn’t the American flag–it could have been any flag at all. They allow the flying of flags of any kind outside of one’s residence, as long as the flag holder is attached to the house rather than a free standing large flagpole. I assume this is for aesthetic reasons. I am sure the HOA relented because of the negative publicity generated, the fact that the old veterans got involved, and that the home owner is probably a trouble-making old fart in general.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • konakoka
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 8:48pm

      The rule before he moved in was no flag pole detached from the house from my understanding after reading every single part of the article and all comments but you could still fly a flag-no problem. There was no flag ban in place. some of these neighborhoods have rules so they stay looking nice and their rule was no extra flag poles away from the house. Everyone is getting all bent out of shape here. He was not forbidden from flying a flag but he did move into a neighborhood that had a set of rules that he agreed to before he moved in. He should stick to his word as a man of integrity.

      Report Post »  
    • MrHoggLegg
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:13pm

      Wow … That was a great response … I’m with ya … He shouldn’t have whined about not being able to fly the ENSIGN … But I am surprised that you have a copy of his HOA Contract to know what it said … So please Post a Copy for all of us to see how ridiculous it was for him to Break his HOA Contract … Thanx … All of us are waiting patiently to Read that Contract!

      Report Post » MrHoggLegg  
    • grannyjojo
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 1:37am

      You are partially right. He DIDN’T have to join the HOA IF it was there when he moved in. It very well could have been established AFTER he already OWNED the property. Because of stupid regulations like this one was one of the reasons my husband and myself decided we would NEVER move into a neighborhood that was in a HOA. If you agree to something and sign a contract (boy you should have read it FIRST) then you truly are liable for what you contracted to do. I do make an exception though about an AMERICAN flag. There should be NO regulation saying you cannot wave Old Glory. This IS America and it IS our flag. Above all we are for God, family and country. Don’t screw with us old folks, we WILL fight to the death for our core beliefs. ANYBODY in this country should be able to fly OUR FLAG and its absolutely rediculous that there would be a regulation trying to prohibit the presentation of our flag. Of course I’m not talking about flying a 200 foot flag or anything like that. But any STANDARD flag and FLAG POLE should be perfectly acceptable. Hope everyone had a great Independence Day! “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess” God bless all

      Report Post »  
    • Mtroom
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 2:16pm

      O.K. Mr.American Soldier…first off if you are or have served in our great military..my deepest thank you for that However the contract part of this story that you are stating is understandable in a valid contract, but this contract violates state and federal law..which in turn makes said contract null and void…..would you allow a contract that does this either knowingly or otherwise stand…that was what the fight was here.that HOA is lucky more people aren’t ignoring that contract in more ways than a flag pole …’cuz it has been null and void from the beginning

      Report Post » Mtroom  
    • LennyTheComputerGuy.blogspot.com
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 4:54pm

      @American Soldier (Separated) Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:04pm So why ever honor contracts any more?…

      There is a federal law signed by President George W. Bush that says NO HOA can infringe on the rights of a resident to fly the American Flag. Here’s a snip…

      Flag Bill Signed by President Bush

      Here’s the wording of the bill as signed by President Bush H.R.42

      An Act

      To ensure that the right of an individual to display the flag of the United States on residential property not be abridged.

      Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

      SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

      This Act may be cited as the `Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005′.
      …

      SEC. 3. RIGHT TO DISPLAY THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES.

      A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.

      Report Post » LennyTheComputerGuy.blogspot.com  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:16pm

      WE WILL NOT CONFORM…

      They try to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance:http://tiny.cc/ji2m4
      They try to take God out of our National Cemetaries:
      Then they try to take Flags off of our homes:

      NO APOLOGIES, WE WILL NOT CONFORM.

      Report Post »  
    • USNVET66-70
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:31pm

      Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:03pm

      Good Job America and Beyond, Putting That HOA In Its Place. NOW, contact the HOA and demand that they pay Chaplain Quigley’s legal fees.

      This Is We The People Taking America Back Issue By Issue — Washington, DC In 2012!

      God Bless America! The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Brave!

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:09pm

      Just think maybe one day he will be able
      to drive a car without a seat belt,or board a plane
      without being photographed naked or have his junk
      touched by a stranger….
      I am really glad they let him fly their flag.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Tear Em Up
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:10pm

      Great news!!!! We all need to keep vigil over protecting our freedom!! http://traffic.libsyn.com/mikeleeandterrymartin/Number_71_July_3rd_2011.mp3

      Report Post » Tear Em Up  
    • mils
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:17pm

      just another example o not following the laws of were you live. he knew the rules, then wanted to break them…this is wrong.

      Where is the pride in doing what you know is wrong…..he agreed to the rules when he moved in…this is wrongwrongwrong…something I expect from liberals, obama, jones,jackson, muslims…

      Report Post »  
    • right
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 3:21pm

      GOD BLESS AMERICA !
      Happy 4th everyone.

      Report Post »  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 4:02pm

      I am glad he won. I didn’t think he would because of HOA rules. I am excited for him.

      Report Post »  
    • Sheepdog911
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:07pm

      The HOA should be paying his legal fees. It’s against both State and Federal law to pull the crap they did, therefore, they should be footing the bill.

      Report Post » Sheepdog911  
    • Wayne
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 9:49pm

      Thank God for men like him that don’t let a group of anti-Americans tell him that he cannot fly and our Flag in The United States of America, where else would you fly it? If you don’t love America than leave . and go to iran where there is real freedom. No man will tell when I can fly my Flag or take my Gun as long as I am alive.

      Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 11:28am

      Ok once again it is the pole not the flag.

      Report Post »  
    • Ethereal
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 12:52pm

      It’s getting pretty sad when one has to fight to fly a flag on their own property.

      Report Post » Ethereal  
    • Marcobob69
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 3:57pm

      It’s a testament as to how far this country has fallen when a law has to be passed just to be able to FLY THE DAMN FLAG. Disgusting.

      Report Post »  
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