American Flags Torn From Bridge In Newton​​ Ahead Of Veterans Day

NEWTON, MA — Leading up to Veterans Day several Ameican flags were ripped from a bridge over the pike in Newton and torn or cut up three times, according to Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, who said Newton police are investigating just what happened.

Each year the Sons of the American Legion Post 440 based on California Street place the flags on the fence along the bridge to honor those who have served the country.

The post and city officials are considering putting up a camera prevent further destruction.

“It’s very disheartening that this is happening, especially on that bridge where we just had a rededication,” Richard Spalding of Post 440 to the TAB, which first reported the vandalism.

For the past few years the American Legion has hosted a Veterans Day ceremony. During this year's ceremony U.S. Army Major Cara Salmon, the sister of Emer Mezzetti who works in Newton's Human Resources Department was the keynote speaker, followed by the mayor.

"This is the day when as a City and a Nation we stop to honor our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and National Guard veterans who took the most solemn oath to defend this country, putting their own future on the line for ours," the mayor said in her remarks.

The mayor also noted just a few weeks ago, after Senior Vice Commander Richard Spaulding of the Sons noticed that the plaque honoring Frederick McLaughlin of Newton Corner who died in Vietnam was stranded behind multiple MassDOT fences on the St. James Bridge. Spaulding, working with City Hall's Veteran's director Seth Bai had the plaque moved. A number of people gathered with McLaughlin's sister, Ruth, to re-commemorate the plaque.

This year there's also an event in Newton on Monday, at Evans Park in Newton Corner, with a lunch, concert, and pinning ceremony. Lunch will be served for veterans and their families at 12:45 p.m. on that day.

A concert for the community performed by Mark West will commence at 2 p.m. Monday, followed by a pinning ceremony at 3 p.m. Read more about the ceremony.

Read more: American Flags Torn From Bridge In Newton

Photos by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff