Outrage After Power Co. Charges Fee to Hang American Flags Honoring Fallen Soldier

Residents in a small Long Island, NY community are fuming after a local power company charged a fee in order to hang American flags along a parade route honoring a fallen soldier.

"Absolutely ridiculous," Shelter Island Town Councilman Peter Reich said of the $5 per-flag fee assessed by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). The flags covered 19 poles in all and were in honor of Army Lt. Joseph Theinert who died last June.

But according to the power company, the controversial fee is mandated by state law. And in a show of good faith, LIPA Chairman Michael Hervey has even offered to pay the fee himself:

On Wednesday, Councilman Reich discussed the issue with WNYW-TV:

Pole Fee To Hang Flags For Dead Soldier: MyFoxNY.com