Pocono News Section

Flag-Removal Protest

Flag-Removal Protest - Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 6:51PM EST

Sunday, Dec 14, 2008 @ 06:51pm EST
The removal of flags from veterans' graves in the "Our Lady of Mount Carmel" cemetery in Nesquehoning has people angry.

"Nothing should ever come before our god, our country, and our flag."

Members of the VFW Post 8008 say Father Anthony Drouncheck -- who heads the newly consolidated church nearby -- took down the flags.

Don Demarco, VFW Post 8008:
"Do our deceased vets deserve this? No! No!"

Published reports say Father Drouncheck took down the flags so they wouldn't tatter, and claims flags haven't been well-kept in the past.

Don Demarco says that's not true.

"We'll take care of it like we have for 60 years."

Veterans tell Eyewitness News Father Douncheck took the flag off the grave of the church's former priest -- Monsignor Angelini.

Anthony Santore, Air Force Veteran:
"That man (Angelini) loved the military. They took his flag off, they broke the staff!

Some families put flags back on the headstones during today's service, including the 2-year-old son of George Santore. He served 20 yaers in the military. He died last year of brain cancer.

Cheri Santore, Nesquehoning:
"My son and I come here often to see his dad's grave. It's a slap in the facev. These men worked hard, these men are the reason why i can talk to you and have this demonstration today and for them to not be able to honor them with the flag on their grave is disgusting."

Lynn Roman, Nesquehoning"
"And he (Douncheck) said in mass this weekend, if anybody leaves flags on the graves today, he's taking them off."

But that didn't stop one veteran -- he left a flag with the ten commandments on them -- he circled "Thou Shalt Not Steal."

Joseph Digilio, Coast Guard Veteran:
"These folks are dying out there for us to live. It's distasteful, what he's done.

Robert Solt, Palmerton:
(Reporter: as someone who served this country, how would you feel if this was your grave?) I'd come back, and I'd take care of whoever did it."

The veterans are in talks with attorneys -- and hope a solution -- comes fast.

"That is all we're looking for, that's it. The flags back on the graves of those who deserve it."