Military couple's flag desecrated in Colebrook

COLEBROOK — An act of vandalism at the home of military husband and wife Dan and Leah Ward struck a nerve in Colebrook this week, as the perpetrators burned an American flag and Marine banner signifying that Dan Ward is currently serving overseas.

Leah Ward said she was leaving her Beech Hill Road house Monday morning, Jan. 11, when she noticed the damaged property at the end of her driveway, where the flag and Marine banner are normally attached to the Wards’ mailbox.

“I believe it happened sometime Sunday night,� she said. “I was so heartbroken. I couldn’t believe someone would do that.�

Ward contacted the Connecticut State Police Troop B in North Canaan but acknowledged that there wasn’t much the authorities could do. She also said this isn’t the first time this has happened.

“When I was on my annual training in June in South Korea, the wood flagpole was smashed to pieces, and the flag and banner were found down the road in the woods. Our neighbor, George Smith, glued everything back together.�

This time, Ward said, an American flag was set on fire and its flagpole was blackened by the flames. A blue Marine banner, with a star indicating Dan Ward is serving overseas, was also ruined. A new American flag was installed by town worker Louis Jasmin.

“This was not the homecoming I imagined for Dan,� Ward said, noting that her husband is expected to return from his current Iraq tour in about two weeks.

Ward said she had no idea who would want to burn an American flag on her property.

“We have a whole lot of really wonderful neighbors who I love, but I notice this part of Colebrook is attracting a lot of drifters and people passing through. They may think it’s so secluded that they’re not going to get caught. Anything’s possible. I don’t know what their motivations are.�

Both Dan and Leah Ward are life members of the Winsted VFW Post 296. Officials there have suggested organizing a flag-raising ceremony at the Ward residence sometime in the near future. In the meantime, Ward said, she is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandals.

“I am offering a reward and I’m hoping some people will add to the reward,� she said. “I am also going to pick up a poster to put at the end of the driveway.�

The reward for information is expected to be in excess of $200.

Leah Ward is preparing to be deployed overseas this summer, while Dan has six years left on his contract with the Marines. The couple has a 20-month-old son, Walter.

Ward said anyone interested in helping out can call her at home at 860-738-4424 or on her cell phone at 860-309-8598.

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