City Demands Fallen Soldier Flags Be Removed – Owner Responds Like A Patriot
Source: https://goo.gl/xAYwAU
There should be no punishment for supporting our country’s fallen heroes.
And if you’re pressured to suppress your support, you stand up. You stand up for those who fought before you.
That’s exactly what Johnny Brann, owner of Brann’s restaurants, did when faced with a difficult situation where military honor was called into question.
The owner of the popular West Michigan chain puts flags outside his restaurants that bear the names of fallen soldiers and police officers.
It’s a beautiful sign of respect to our heroes and yet, he was recently told he had to take them down.
Brann said he received an official note saying the flags were in violation of city ordinance. But this particular patriot isn’t budging. Via WoodTV8:
“Simply put, I’m not taking them down.
I know all the families of the fallen heroes and I committed to them that their sons are going to be remembered. It’s so important to them and me.”
Apparently, the city has a problem with the size and number of the flags, and they may have received a complaint.
But Brann doesn’t really care.
“They have to respond to complaints, which I understand and respect. I received the notices, I read them and filed them.
They can stay in the file because I’m not taking them (the flags) down.”
One of the flags is for U.S. Army Specialist Eric Burri, who lost his life in Iraq in June 2005. His father, John, said he can’t understand why anyone would have an issue with the flags.
“It’s very upsetting knowing that after they’ve been up there a while already, someone is complaining and they want to do something about it.
“This is this man’s business. It’s his building. This is supposed to be the land of the free.
At what point do you say enough is enough?”
Brann’s situation got plenty of attention and thankfully, many members of the military and police support groups from around the state have pledged their support to Brann.
“We understand cities need ordinances, and we get that, but it’s more important we honor the people that sacrificed everything for us,” said Amy Waltrop of Back the Badge Michigan.
As for the brave and respectful owner, there’s no wavering. There’s no negotiating. Those flags are symbols and they’re not going anywhere.
“They will be up there and they will not be taken down,” Brann finished.
Who else thinks this guy deserves a medal?