All I Could Say Was "WOW"

[MalahatTwo7]

Bikers Show Support For Homeowner In Flag Flap

Jul 27, 2003 8:07 pm US/Eastern

http://1010wins.com/topstories/winstopstories_story_208200838.html

(1010 WINS) (HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J.) A motorcycle club visited a husband and wife from Mercer County on Sunday to support their decision to fly a POW-MIA flag despite an order from a homeowners association to remove it.

"Our mission is to bring everybody home," Bob Henderson, a member of Rolling Thunder, told News 12 New Jersey. "And until everybody is home, that flag will fly underneath the United States flag. So until that happens, we will fight for it forever."

Rolling Thunder, a nonprofit organization of motorcyclists who ride to publicize POW-MIA issues, stopped by the home of Ralph and Dori McIlvaine just before noon on Sunday.

The McIlvaines face a $25 daily fine from the board of the Evergreen development for flying the flag in front of their home. Association bylaws prohibit any flags except the U.S. or New Jersey flags.

"You have to remember those who served and didn't come home, those who served and were prisoners, and I can't express what this means to me" Ralph McIlvaine, an Army veteran, told Rolling Thunder members.

Last week, the Evergreen board recommended letting the McIlvaines fly the flag if they pay $1,000 for the board's legal fees plus a $50 fine. The board will have the final review of the flag request on Aug. 4.

For those who haven't heard, the story of the McIvaines has been in the news for a few days now. Apparently it is an ongoing issue, even after the family was 'awarded' permission to continue to fly the POW/MIA flag, but only after some hard work.

[Bones42]

Association bylaws prohibit any flags except the U.S. or New Jersey flags.

Just like anything else, if you don't like the rules, go through the process to change them. Otherwise, you are breaking them, plain and simple.

On a side note, I don't agree with the rule, but then again, I did not choose to live there.

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

Thumbs up to the McIlvanes! It is all right for every federal, state and local government to fly the POW-MIA flag under the colors as a reminder that freedom isn't free.

Screw the board! What a bunch of spineless pussiewussies!

[ullrichk]

Freedom of speech is much more important than the petty rules of some uptight homeowners.

Besides, a little revolution now and then is a good thing.

[NJFFSA16]

The Evergreen board recommended letting the
McIlvaines fly the flag if they pay $1,000 for the board's legal
fees plus a $50 fine. The board will have the final review of the
flag request on Aug. 4.

It's against the rules....however, slip a few bucks in our pockets and the board might look the other way! Shameless!

[MFDExplorer51]

That’s ridiculous. Its denying them the freedom to pray for the safe return of the soldiers that are fighting to keep the freedom to fly flags period. Nothing should come in the way of this show of patriotism and care for them.

[Duffman]

That’s ridiculous. Its denying them the freedom to pray for the safe return of the soldiers that are fighting to keep the freedom to fly flags period.

Wrong. No one is denying them the "freedom to pray" for anything. Bones was right. They should have read the rules prior to buying a property subject to them. While I agree the rule is dumb, it should be followed until changed or challenged in court.

Here in Illinois a homeowner got her associations flag rule thrown out by a judge.

[Guest]

Seems like the homes association has no Respect for the soldiers that gave them the freedom that they enjoy every day of their lives.

[dfdNo9]

Rules!

I have a sister that lives in a gated community.
One of the rules that they have is that only the American Flag
can be flown in front of your house. The Idea is that they don't not
want it to become an issue with home owners. No other flag may be flown (ie. Irish,Italian,French,English, so on and so fourth).
Not even those spring,winter, Holdiay flags. No ruffled feathers to
speak to cause problems. I don't agree with this, but I don't live there. I agree that rules are rules and you should change them the proper way. I don't belive that these rules were not put their with our troops in mind,it is just a sad side effect. Make an exception for one, they will have to make them for all (even if does cost $1000 bucks each.)