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Upside-down American flag raises ire in West Virginia town

Posted at 1:31 PM, Nov 10, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-10 13:31:27-05

FOLLANSBEE, W.Va. (WTVR) – An upside-down American flag spotted flying in one small West Virginia town is angering residents. 

This sight of Old Glory billowing in the breeze, flying upside down and at half-staff, outside a McDonald's in Follansbee, West Virginia, was too much for some veterans Wednesday.

"We served our country, so you would have a right, you know to open speech or whatever...but it doesn't give you the right to do something like that,” veteran Jim Campagna said. “ I think it's disrespectful. It disrespects the veteran and it's uncalled for."

The flag was eventually righted and the owner of the McDonald's said it was a simple mistake.

It turns out that a pulley system on the flagpole had broken – and when the employee raised the flag it was still dark outside so they did not realize it was upside down.

The owner insistent that it was simple mistake and not a political statement after President Obama was re-elected to a second term.