Neighbors fight in court over American flag

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Two Virginia Beach neighbors are at odds with one another over a symbol of our nation's freedom.

The feud centers around the proper procedure for displaying an American flag after sunset. Court documents filed in a Virginia Beach court show Michael Anderson has filed three criminal charges against his neighbor, John Parmele.

Anderson alleges Parmele stole his American flag on two occasions after he did not comply with demands to illuminate the flag flying from his mailbox after sunset.

Federal code says American flags should be "be properly illuminated during the hours of darkness." It's a rule that Parmele knows can't be enforced, but should not be broken.

"I feel like it's a personal affront towards me and disrespect toward the veterans and all Americans for that matter, because it's just not supposed to be done," he says.

Parmele does not admit, nor deny, involvement in stealing the flag. He says plans on pleading not guilty.

"I think I'm representing veterans everywhere in this incident," said Parmele. "Now that people know about it, they should respect it. If people don't know about it, they are going to keep doing this."

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