MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Star Spangled Banner waves outside the VA Medical Center, but the tattered and torn condition it was in is angering many who defended it.
Veterans told WREG the Old Glory flying outside the VA hospital was looking a little less than glorious these days, so some reached out to News Channel 3 to find out why the frayed flag was still flying.
Air Force veteran Jack Jackson was confused and angered over the tattered flag that was flying in front of the VA Medical Center on the Pauline Street entrance.
“You’re supposed to retire the flag when it’s time and put a new one in its place,” he said.
But Vietnam veteran Jerry Brown said he actually prefers the flag that way.
“I think it needs to look a little battered,” he said. “It’s been through a lot.”
On the other side of the building, a brand new flag flies.
After WREG received complaints about the old one, we went to the VA to get answers.
A spokesperson told us police would normally replace the flags, but the pulley system on that one was damaged in the ice storm.
The hospital needed to bring in engineers to get it down.
The damaged flag was removed Thursday afternoon after WREG left, a change most vets say they are glad to see.
“Our flag should always look good, especially on our government facilities,” Jackson said.
The VA will not replace that flag. Instead, the pole will be relocated to another area as construction projects continue outside the hospital.