Retired veteran allowed to fly American flag in yard

HOUSTON The Lakeland Village Community Associated filed suit Dec. 9 against Mike Merola, who has a 20-foot flagpole in his backyard. The suit claimed the pole violated the community's design rules.

The Houston Chronicle reports that the suit has not been dismissed, but that a contract filed with the court allows the Merolas to keep the pole as long as they abide by new guidelines from the association.

Lee Thweatt, the Merolas' lawyer, said legislation prompted by the case and signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry on June 16 protects the right of homeowners to display the flags of the United States, Texas or any military branch.

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