A Georgia restaurant owner was forced to pay his city fines – for flying patriotic flags above his restaurant.
According to My Fox Atlanta, McDonough restaurant owner Darren Miller was told he could not fly the flags, which represent each county, state and military branch, above the restaurant Friday by a code enforcement officer. On Saturday, however, McDonough City Administrator Frederick Gardiner told Miller the city law isn’t clear in the matter.
Miller told the station that his restaurant, CJ’s Hot Dogs, is dedicated to the police, fire and military, and that he’s a retired DeKalb County fireman and the son of a Vietnam veteran. Miller, who covered the walls of his restaurant are covered with patches from men and women who also served, believes that it’s his right to salute our armed forces and first responders both inside and outside of his restaurant.
“I’m just floored,” he told the station. “And I called the guy and asked what they’re for. And he said I’m in violation with my flags flying above my restaurant.”
Miller wasn’t the only one. Several other veterans were outraged by the town’s actions, with some even calling the citation “sad.”
The station noted that the city administrator, who didn’t realize code enforcement officials cited the restaurant, told Miller that the ordinance is too vague and needs to be rewritten. He’s even asking that it be thrown out for that reason.
“I’ve had enough of it,” Miller told the station. “I’m tired of being pushed around for supporting our local men and women and I’m not going to be pushed around anymore.”
