Did Accused Legion Flag Thief Do the Right Thing? [Tell Us]

A Hellertown man is at the center of a debate that apparently hinges on interpretation of the U.S. Flag Code.

with misdemeanor defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and insults to national or commonwealth flag, according to the Hellertown Police Department.

Police said Chase removed the U.S. flag from the flagpole outside the recently-reopened Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 at 935 Main St., Hellertown, in February.

The flag was later recovered.

In an article published Saturday by the Express-Times, Chase, identified as a Navy veteran and former member of the Hellertown post, claims he took the flag down and placed it in the Legion's mailbox because it wasn't illuminated at night.

The U.S. Flag Code states that "It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness."

Legion Post 397 Commander John Higginbotham said Chase made no effort to contact Legion officials about the burnt-out light bulb before removing the flag and placing it in the retired flags mailbox, and confirmed to the newspaper that Chase is not permitted on Legion property.

Chase has hired an Easton attorney to defend him in fighting the charges, the Express-Times reported.

Do you agree with the charges against Baron L. Chase? Do you think he acted appropriately in removing the flag because it was unlit at night? Tell us in the comments section below.