Community doesn't let flag thefts spoil their Fourth of July traditions

DRUID HILLS, Ga. — One neighborhood is not letting some unpatriotic thieves spoil their Fourth of July celebrations.

Last week, someone stole around 500 tiny flags that lined the streets of Druid Hills along the route to their Fourth of July parade.

Channel 2's Berndt Petersen was in Druid Hills on Thursday as the community turned out in big numbers to carry on with their traditions.

Last week, Petersen was in the neighborhood off Briarcliff Road just after most of the flags vanished.

"They were beautiful, then they disappeared," Major Coleman said.

A homeowner's security camera got a glimpse of what residents say is evidence of the crime.

A community leader paid to replace them out of his own pocket.

"It's a little demoralizing, having to go back and do something you've already done," Kit Eisterhold said. "But they all got put out. The Fourth is important. A sense of community is important. The flag is important."

RELATED STORIES:

Druid Hills has held the annual parade since 1976. This year's 44th annual Fourth of July parade went on, with as many participants and onlookers as ever before.

"This is a celebration of our independence as a nation," Becky Evans said. " A celebration of our wonderful community here. We weren't going to let something like that get in our way."

Neighbors still can't believe someone would steal the flags. But they all pulled together, just like always.

"Driving around the neighborhood since the incident, once the flags were restored, it restored our sense of pride in our neighborhood," Lois Oakley said.

Residents say they won't change plans to display the flags next year.

"It's not keeping a soul down. Everybody is going to show up, just like always," Caroline Moise said. "It's a tradition."

"I think it says a lot about our community," Karen Cleveland said. "We're dedicated to coming together, celebrating our kids, and having a lot of hope."