Avenue of Flags, flag poles stolen

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - After 30 years of gathering donations, over 1,000 flag poles have reportedly been stolen from the Orange Grove Graceland Cemetery on Broad Street.

The Poles are a part of Avenue of Flags, the largest display of memorial flags in the United States.

Avenue of Flags Director, Ted Harless says this loss has greatly impacted the organization.

“We’re a nonprofit organization. We raise money throughout the years to be able to go out and by the flag poles and the hardware that goes with them," Harless said.

For close to 25 years, Carroll Landry’s dad’s flag has flown in the Avenue of Flags.

“When my dad passed away, my mother had it in a box." Landry said. "I told her, I said, ‘daddy’s flag needs to be flown.' He’s 177 over a 1000.”

Each flag is numbered as they receive them. Meaning Landry’s was one of the first.

“I’ve been just about every time that I can. I come hold his flag.”

Avenue of Flags' Warehouse Manager Carroll Guidry says the theft of the poles is a loss for the community.

“It’s moving to see WWII Veterans with their children and their grand children standing in front of the flag for pictures," Guidry said. " It means a lot to the individuals.”

The poles were valued at over $50,000. The loss has put the organization in a bind.

“Flags are made to fly," Guidry said. “They’re not meant to be put in a bag or put on the shelf and just forgotten about.”

If you have any information, contact the Lake Charles Police Department.

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