American Flags Vandalized on Fourth of July Eve

Someone was apparently not feeling very patriotic this Fourth of July.

Seven of the 20 American flags that have adorned the Mianus River Bridge on East Putnam Avenue since Memorial Day were vandalized Tuesday night.

Selectman David Theis, who spearheads the program to install the flags each year, said public officials were getting ready for a Fourth of July flag raising at Town Hall on Wednesday morning when news came that several of the flags on the bridge had apparently been vandalized.

Later Greenwich Police confirmed that some of the 20 flags — 10 per each side of the bridge — had been vandalized overnight.

Theis said altogether seven flags were removed or damaged. In addition five fiberglass flag poles were damaged. The vandalism was discovered late Tuesday night by an officer on patrol, he said, and is believed to have occurred before midnight.

"It appears to be the act of vandals... or misguided youth," an angry Theis said by phone on Wednesday. "I really hope it isn't someone who doesn't believe in America or our way of life... and if it is, they are free to leave."

Theis said the Cos Cob Fire Department, which provides the manpower and resources to install the flags on the bridge each year, will be replacing the flags today.

He added that security tapes from local businesses may reveal who the culprits are, "but we're still waiting to see on that."

Theis added that the flags will remain up until Veteran's Day.