LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —A tattered American flag that had been clinging to a flagpole on a hill off Galleria Drive near Lake Las Vegas has been replaced with a new one, after a FOX5 report and social media response prompted community action.
An eighth-grade girl first alerted FOX5 to the flag’s condition, saying she was worried veterans would feel bad seeing it that way. FOX5 contacted Vietnam veteran Richard Crescitelli and showed him the tattered flag.
Veteran prepared to make the hike
Before the new flag went up, Crescitelli said he was willing to hike the hill to replace it himself — something he already does for his HOA. The climb would have been difficult with his walker. A man who commented on FOX5’s Facebook page, and did not want to be identified, said he would make the hike. Crescitelli met him and FOX5’s Joe Vigil at the hill and brought a flag.
Developer steps in
As the group strategized about the route up the hill, a new flag was already being raised. Benjamin Mendez and Ryan Anderson, who works as project manager on the Raintree housing development at the site, put up the new flag.
“I saw the news story last night and was like, we need to get something done about that,” Anderson said.
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“The American flag is definitely a symbol of freedom. And it was a shame to see it all tattered and torn as it was. So we wanted to make sure we brought something else new and make it look how it should,” said Mendez.
Mendez says he also saw the FOX5 story on the tattered flag. A Raintree spokesperson said Patrick Parker, president of Raintree, also just became aware of the tattered flag.
“Special thanks to Jeff and Ryan Anderson for replacing it so quickly. Patrick also offers his thanks to those who noticed this and brought it to your attention. We love our American flag!” said the spokesperson.
Ryan Anderson says they will now keep an eye on the condition of the new flag.
Veteran receives old flag for proper retirement
Anderson gave the tattered flag to Crescitelli. Crescitelli later brought it to a Lowe’s store, where he placed it in a special box designated for unserviceable flags.
“The flag means so much to us,” Crescitelli said. “There was an awful lot of bloodshed to keep the colors bright. And it was shed by men and women. I can’t even express it. It comes from here. (The heart). I just can’t express how good I feel about this having been done for us.”
It remains unknown who originally put the old flag up.
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