LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- A controversial flag is flying at Lakewood City Hall, and those opposed to it took the matter into their own hands -- literally.

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Flag Causes Controversy

NewsChannel5's Linda Passariello reported the controversy surrounds a rainbow flag that is now flying to celebrate Gay Pride Week.

A group of veterans showed up Monday morning and ripped up their own rainbow flag as a show of their opposition to the city's decision.

The Lakewood City Council adopted a resolution allowing the rainbow flag to be flown at City Hall.

City officials said the original resolution called for the flag to be raised on the same flagpole as the American and prisoner of war flags, but the mayor had it moved to the new community flagpole.

But many Lakewood veterans are still unhappy.

"I think it's disrespectful for veterans (who) gave up lives for that flag and to have that even fly in same place is ludicrous," veteran Orien Rigney said.

The city said the rainbow flag will be flown all week to celebrate gay pride.

"Lakewood is a very diverse community, and here in the city of Lakewood, we celebrate our diversity," Lakewood Mayor Madeline Cain said. "If you look at the rainbow flag, the message is that people are different, and that differences can create beauty."

City officials said the new community flagpole will allow the city to "celebrate all who call Lakewood home."