A despicable thief of U.S. flags, or perhaps hordes of them, is on the loose.

Within the last month, five American flags were stolen in front of houses at Rio Verde Home Park in north Auburn.

Officers and members of Auburn’s VFW Post 1741 are angry and appalled at this thievery and vandalism activity. As veterans, we have laid our lives on the line for this flag. It’s dear to our hearts. For us, this thievery is a shameless and hateful act. It’s tantamount to dishonoring America’s flag.

Our post sponsors a community project, called “Flags for Food Banks.” And if any of our VFW comrades sees a worn or tattered U.S. flag in the community, the owner is contacted, and a 3-by-5 flag is replaced for free. The recipient of the new flag is then asked to make a conscionable donation to the local food bank.

Bill Peloza, a City Councilmember and the former commander of our VFW Post 1741, recommended this community program five years ago, and our post has received a VFW National Recognition for this patriotic endeavor.

So, at our recent meeting this month, Peloza and VFW member Mike Lisle proposed, and it was unanimously approved by all members present, that a $500 reward would be initiated “leading to the arrest and conviction” of the thief, or hordes of thieves, responsible for stealing U.S. flags installed and displayed in front of houses.

In the meantime, Peloza said, Post 1741 is “replacing the stolen flags from those houses in Rio Verde Park.”

Any information on this thievery can be directed to VFW Post 1741 at 253-293-5839 or at VFWPost1741@gmail.com.

– Jesse Jose