Veteran fights homeowners association to keep flag

MACEDONIA, Ohio, June 21 (UPI) -- An Ohio veteran said he is resisting his homeowners association's attempt to force him to take down the flagpole he installed in his yard.

Fred Quigley, 77, a U.S. Army veteran, said the homeowners association of the Villas at Taramina in Macedonia is trying to force him to get rid of his flagpole, which the association says is a violation of its rules, WEWS-TV, Cleveland, reported Tuesday.

Joseph Migliorini, who represents the homeowners association and owns the property, said the rules allow residents to display flags on their homes but they are barred from installing flagpoles in their yards without permission.

Gerald Patronite, Quigley's attorney, said Ohio state law prohibits organizations from restricting display of the U.S. flag.

"Nobody can restrict the right to display the flag," Patronite said.

Migliorini said Quigley will be taken to court if he continues to refuse to comply with the association's rules.