Something very special was missing from a VFW Post in
“I did it for my family, I did it for your family, and everybody's family out here,” said Bill Gonzalez, a Vietnam Veteran.
Imagine how VFW Post 8900 members felt, looking up to find empty flag poles last month.
“Why somebody would steal that is beyond me. I mean, they're doing a disgrace to all the veterans. We work like crazy for this and somebody turns around and steals it,” said veteran Keith Rudolph.
To get to the top of the 30-foot poles, a favor was called in. Several Fresno Firefighters volunteered their Friday morning. Using a ladder truck, one by one, ropes are replaced and brand new flags are raised to fly outside the post.
“Our veterans have provided services to ensure our freedoms and protections for years and years and years, since the beginning of this country. And the moment they need help, somebody needs to step up,” said Battalion Chief Chuck Tobias.
The American flag was spared in the heist. Veterans salute it before bringing the old one down and raising a new one.
“Fantastic. I couldn't ask for anything better. It's kind of like a brotherhood; they have their brotherhood of firefighters, we have our brotherhood of veterans,” said Rudolph.
All this happened just in time for Memorial Day and a steak dinner happening at the post on Friday night.