Supporters of what the American flag represents came from all over the state and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut Tuesday to take part in a flag run through Coventry that left a parking lot on Route 3 and passed through a portion of town.
More than 100 veterans, fire department staff from every rank and many other first responder supporters made their feelings known about not only the importance of Flag Day but how disgruntled they’ve been over the past two weeks since comments were made by Central Coventry Board Chairman Fred Gralinski when he compared Central Coventry Firefighters to ISIS and began a discussion of removing American flags from the fire apparatus.
Fire apparatus, trucks, cars and motorcycles attached flags, both large and small to their vehicles and the run began at 6 p.m. Ron Y., a Vietnam veteran and member of the International Union of Operating Engines Local 324 out of Michigan, said he was there to support the Central Coventry Fire District.
“I live in that district and this has turned into a number of things,” he said, “like taking a stand for America and not in favor of the comments made by the chairman.”
The flag run was organized by Amanda Cook, who said she was upset by the comments she saw on Facebook and other social media.