USMC: Marines 'Mischaracterized' in Story on Geller

A Marine Corps spokesman said on Monday that the Marines have not officially confirmed or denied that a U.S. flag was given as a gift to activist Pamela Geller, contrary to a Buzzfeed report Friday.

Geller is scheduled to speak at Great Neck Synagogue April 14 for a talk, “Imposition of Sharia in America.” She will be introduced by Greg Buckley, Sr., whose 21-year-old son, Marine Lance Cpl. Greg Buckley was killed in August while serving in Afghanistan. Buckley Sr. is calling for justice in the murder of his son and is seeking prosecution on American soil.

On her Atlas Shrugs blog, Geller stated the Marines presented her with a U.S. flag in 2011 at a Fort Lauderdale Tea Party event.

Friday's Buzzfeed headline: "Marine Corps: We Didn't Give Pamela Geller A Flag As A Gift," isn't exactly the case, a Marine Corps spokesman told Patch.

"I think it was sort of mischaracterized," said Capt. Eric Flanagan at the Pentagon. "Its unfortunate that it appears they are trying to use us to get into the middle of this situation."

Certification states the flag was flown over Camp Leatherneck amid the battlefields of Afghanistan during decisive operations against enemy forces in Helmand province on Sept. 11, according to Geller. 

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In response to the Buzzfeed article, Geller posted pictures of the flag and it's certification on her blog to prove authenticity, according to Geller. 

"The enemies of freedom are on a crusade to destroy champions of freedom by any means necessary," said Geller April 5.

The flag's origin has not been researched by the Marines, according to Flanagan. 

"I guess it would depend on the date and who signed it for us to track that down," said Flanagan.

On her blog, Geller said the flag was presented by Lt. Cmdr. Rachel Oden.

The certification is signed by Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana and Command Master Chief Russell W. Folly, of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Regional Command Southwest, according to Geller.

See also:

• Report: Nassau Official Attempts to Block Upcoming Great Neck Speech