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American flag stolen overnight from Virginia War Memorial

Posted at 6:24 PM, Sep 23, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-24 13:38:03-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)—Thieves stole a flag overnight Sunday from the Virginia War Memorial.

The memorial, located at 621 S. Belvidere Street, is guarded by private overnight security, in addition to the State Capital Police who patrol the area.

Yet thieves managed to cut the rope system holding the flag and make off with it, around 3:30 in the morning.

The pole is pretty high, and it would likely take more than one person to steal the flag, Jeb Hockman, Director of Marketing of the Virginia War Memorial, said.

“I’m not sure why they would take an American flag, but I will say this, it’s kinda sad that they would take an American flag from here,” Hockman said.

“The Va. War Memorial, is the monument, the place where people honor those service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our flag.”

There is no previous history of these flags being stolen, said Hockman.

“This place is a sort of hallowed ground, and a place where people come and they are very reverent about it,” he said. “It’s kind of sad to take the flag that they fought for, from the Va. Memorial.”

These flags, sized at about 10 by 15 feet, cost around $150 a piece.