The United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association in New Rochelle, New York is suing the city for removing a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag from the city-owned former armory.The New Rochelle City Council voted in March to remove the yellow flag, which was flying underneath the American flag (pictured), for about a week.
The veterans group wants a court order allowing the flag, also called the "Gadsden flag," to be flown and “nominal and compensatory damages,” notes Lohud.com.
The flag is often used by the Tea Party, reported Reuters.
However, the veterans' lawsuit claims this is not true: “Contrary to defendants’ unfounded, subjective [and incorrect] belief, plaintiffs’ intended purpose in flying the Gadsden flag below the Stars and Stripes at the armory was and is not to make a statement in support of the Tea Party."
The lawsuit claims the flag will “honor the veterans who have served and died for our country."
However, the Gadsden flag was originally flown to represent the thirteen colonies, not all 50 states, during the Revolutionary War.
“It’s a slap in the face, an insult to any veteran that they would try to identify that flag with anything other than what it should be, honoring the service of our people,” claimed Ron Tocci, a retired Veterans Affairs commissioner.
The Thomas More Law Center, a Christian law firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is representing the veterans' group.
Sources: Lohud.com and Reuters Reported by Opposing Views 2 days ago.