A Tennessee man, cited for having too many flags in his front yard, is asking city leaders to reconsider the ordinance he is said to have violated.
Duane Charlton has lived on Birchwood Circle in Franklin, just south of Nashville, for nearly three decades. Currently, he has seven flags posted along his curb, as well as two flag poles that each have two flags.
Charlton told Nexstar’s WKRN his flags are meant to represent his patriotism and support for the military and first responders.
“The United States of America, no matter what, is still the greatest country, in my opinion, in the entire world,” Charlton said. “This flag is my [contribution] to the soldiers that did die, and my freedom means a lot to me, and a lot of people don’t understand what that flag stands for.”
On Aug. 22, Charlton received a notice from the city, letting him know he could only have three flags due to a Franklin zoning ordinance that went into effect July 1. However, Charlton refused.
Two weeks later, he was issued a citation and a notice to appear in court Oct. 3.
“I hope that this gets resolved or there’s an exception to the rule that the American flag should fly no matter how many they want to fly,” Charlton said.
Many of Charlton’s neighbors have shown their support, with more than 70 signing a petition he created in response to his notice.
His next-door neighbor said residents also look forward to Charlton’s elaborate Halloween and Christmas displays each year, adding that his flag display should be protected as political expression.
“It’s not a matter of supporting him. This is a fundamental thing that connects all of us,” neighbor Roger Conatser told WKRN. “Let’s dismiss this for now, let the city council have an opportunity to re-think this, put a hold on any future enforcement of this ordinance until the city council has some time to reflect on it.”
Charlton said he didn’t want to take his flags down unless he was absolutely forced to do so.
“I don’t think I’m wrong in my beliefs, and I’m going to fight until they tell me I can’t,” he added.
Charlton asked neighbors wishing to support him to contact their aldermen and show up outside Franklin City Hall for his Oct. 3 court date at 7:30 a.m.
WKRN reached out to the City of Franklin for comment on Saturday, Sept. 7. A spokesperson was working to get us a response.