Crivitz Man Causes a Stir by Flying American Flag Upside Down

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Updated: 8:02 AM Jul 13, 2009 Crivitz Man Causes a Stir by Flying American Flag Upside Down A Fox Valley man's decision to fly an American flag upside down is causing quite a stir. Posted: 7:31 AM Jul 13, 2009 Reporter: WSAW Staff

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A Fox Valley man's decision to fly an American flag upside down is causing quite a stir.

Vito Congine Jr. says he's protesting the village of Crivitz's board decision to deny him a license to open a restaurant.

Now some residents are upset, with some coming to his property to try and take the flag down.

One man carrying a knife climbed up the flagpole to try and turn the flag right side up.

Marinette County deputies were called to the scene and told the man to leave.

Sources say the town's police chief and another officer took down the flag on July 4th, on the advice of the Marinette County DA, but it was returned and went right back up, upside down.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Hal Turner Location: jail on Jul 15, 2009 at 02:49 PM

Obviously the chief of police and the D.A. think they can do whatever they please. I am sad for the slaves-I mean "citizens" of this town if they allow people like this into positions of power.

Posted by: karela on Jul 13, 2009 at 10:55 PM

People are missing the point. The man is an Iraq war veteran. He's flying the flag upside down, as the military teaches, as a sign of distress. He has gone deeply into debt to open an Italian restaurant in Crivitz, and he stands to lose it all because the town won't let him offer drinks with dinner, which as anyone with business experience knows, is the kiss of death for a new restaurant. Give the veteran a break folks!!! A glass of wine with your pasta isn't going to ruin the town but driving a young veteran into bankruptcy just might. What is it with people who claim to be patriotic because they honor the flag while dishonoring the people who risk their lives to defend it? If the guy stood the risk of dying for you or losing his arms and legs for you, it seems reasonable that you might let him offer a drink with dinner. Patriotism is as patriotism does. What a jerky thing to do to a young veteran. Aren't there enough of them losing everything without this? WE'LL BE WATCHING

Posted by: Liberty Jackson Location: Porterville CA on Jul 13, 2009 at 01:46 PM

Congine, I support your cause. I’ve placed an American flag upside down on my tree And tied a yellow ribbon around it. I believe in the First Amendment. Bring the troops home. Welcome Home to all the troops who’ve abused and humiliated detainees. Welcome Home to all authority figures who’ve vouched to keep the humiliation confidential. Welcome Home as they disguise their secrets And, We, with open arms.

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