BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Transportation Department removed 32 American flags from the Cloverdale Overpass in Boise on Wednesday due to vandalism. The flags had been placed to honor the memory of three airmen tragically killed in an accident in 2018.
ITD said that most of the flags displayed at the site had been defaced with blue spray paint.
Boise Police says that 10 of the removed flags were found not to have visible vandalism. Police are working to determine if the paint on the other 22 flags contains any messages or statements.
Locals who have been taking care of the Cloverdale flags say this is not the first time the flags have been vandalized.
"They have been vandalized three or four times now," says Anthony Hill, who, along with Jacob Thurber, has been taking down and replacing the flags over the years. Thurber shook his head, saying, "It shows how disconnected we are. The flag represents all of us."
The two men have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for more flags or use the funds for a possible permanent memorial working alongside ITD. Temporarily, ITD will be working with the gentlemen to replace the flags on Friday afternoon.
The department also took the opportunity to remind the public of the regulations surrounding the placement of items within the public right-of-way. "The placement of flags, posters, or any other items within the right-of-way requires a permit," the post read.
Boise Police says that evidence shows that the nearby traffic cameras were tampered with prior to the vandalism. The suspect in this case is facing charges including misdemeanor public mutilation of a flag, and anyone with photos or information is urged to call BDP at (208) 570-6000.
