Legion Applauds Resolution of Flagpole Dispute

WASHINGTON (Dec. 9, 2009) - Calling the decision of the Sussex

Square Homeowners' Association Board to withdraw legal action against a

WWII hero, "a great decision," the leader of The American Legion

congratulated all parties involved.



        "This is a victory for reason and I applaud the board for making

the correct decision to permit this American hero to honor Old Glory in

such a fitting way, every day, on his property," said National Commander

Clarence E. Hill.  "I also commend Legionnaires and all Americans across

the country who flooded Col. Barfoot, the association and The American

Legion with letters, emails, phone calls and messages of support and

tribute."



        Because of the controversy involving the 90-year-old Medal of

Honor recipient, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" Mckeon (R-CA) and Republican Whip

Eric Cantor (R-VA) introduced a resolution, H. Res. 952, allowing

Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to properly display the United

States flag on their property at all times.



        "I thank the law firm of Marchant, Honey & Baldwin for their pro

bono efforts in resolving this issue. There is always room for

discussion and solutions to be achieved within the system," Hill added.

"In this case, the homeowners' association recognized the remarkable

sacrifice and devotion of this true hero and acted wisely within the

boundaries of their authority to do the right thing.  We understand and

appreciate the important role homeowners' associations play in local

communities.  The American Legion encourages all homeowners to continue

to properly display Old Glory."



        With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The

American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong

national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs.

Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more

than 14,000 posts across the nation.