TITUSVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. flag is flying once again in front of the Disabled American Veterans chapter in Titusville where a man stole a flag last week.
A flag raising ceremony was held Wednesday with veterans and first responders at DAV Chapter 109 along North Singleton Avenue.
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“It feels very good. Very good,” Commander John Dunn said. “It’s nice to have it back up there.”
On April 2, police said Jonathan Smyth, 42, damaged a grill at the chapter and stole the U.S. flag, which fell on the ground when it was cut down.
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Surveillance video shared to social media by the chapter appears to show a man taking down the flag, wadding it up and walking off with it. The man was later identified as Smyth.
“It’s violating each and every member of the city of Titusville,” Titusville Police Chief John Lau said. “That flag, to these folks here, that’s their freedom that they fought for. They fought hard and they lost loved ones and friends and family members.”
Smyth was arrested on burglary, criminal mischief and theft charges.
Following the incident, Dunn said there was an outpouring of support from the community.
A new grill was bought for the chapter by benefactors who had become aware of the situation and Dunn said his chapter has received several donations.
“It started out as a bad thing, but it turned out it was a good thing,” Dunn said. “This community supports veterans a lot. An awful lot.”
As part of the replacement, a rope with a steel core is now being used on the flag pole to help prevent theft in the future.
“We’ve been here 52 years. That’s the first time that happened and I don’t expect to see it happening again,” Dunn said.
For details on the DAV Titusville chapter, visit its website by clicking here.
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