Macedonia homeowners association tells veteran to remove flagpole, vet fights to keep it

MACEDONIA, Ohio - A U.S. Army veteran is fighting a battle over his right to display an American flag at his home in Summit County.

Fred Quigley, 77, said his homeowners association has asked him to remove a flagpole from his front yard. He lives in the Villas at Taramina in Macedonia.

"If they can dictate to me that I cannot fly an American flag in America, then, to me, the country is lost," said Quigley.

Quigley's attorney, Gerald Patronite, said Ohio state law prohibits restrictions on flying the American flag on personal property.

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

Joseph Migliorini, who represents the homeowners association and owns the property, said Quigley's flagpole violates the association's rules. He has asked Quigley to remove the flagpole and plans to take Quigley to court if he does not take down the flagpole.

"We just want the rules and regulations followed," he said.

Migliorini said residents are allowed to place flagpoles on their homes, but need permission to install a flagpole in their yard.

Many residents said they are concerned about the flagpole in Quigley's yard because it does not adhere to their association's rules.

Patronite said the association's rules do not supersede state law and he expects to win if the association does take Quigley to court.

Migliorini said if the association loses in court, it will allow Quigley to keep his flagpole in his front yard.