Needham Select Board Address Burned American Flags Found In Town

NEEDHAM, MA — The Needham Select Board issued a statement on Friday, condemning the burning of flags that were put out on display on Memorial Field for Independence Day.

The statement reads:

"The flags placed in Needham over the 4th of July holiday were intended to honor and thank the servicemen and women who have fought to protect our freedoms. We were all horrified by the act of vandalism that occurred over the weekend. The person or persons who engaged in the destruction of the flags do not represent this community. The true spirit of this Town is represented by the many volunteers who placed those flags this year.

A passerby noticed the burned flags the day after Independence Day. The damaged flags were removed and replaced with new ones but the matter is still under investigation.

The flags were part of the Exchange Club's "Field of Flags" display. Altogether, 500 Stars and Stripes flags in five rows were put out honoring first responders and the military on July 1st.