In response to the Sept. 11 attacks, Rhonda Rice of Gorham Village proudly hung her American flag on her porch.
But the flag was stolen, leaving Rice upset and amazed that one would steal an American flag at a time when our nation needs to show its spirit.
Rice’s grandmother, who passed away this summer, gave her the flag in 1976, leaving her with a loss of sentimental value as well. Although it is not proven that college students are responsible for the theft, Rice and her family, who live at 52 School Street, feel college students are to blame in the matter.
“We suspect college students because we hear them going by late at night, rowdy, after parties,” said Rice.
Rice reported the theft to the USM Police Department due to her suspicions; however, they cannot handle the case since she lives off-campus. She was referred to the Gorham Police Department, which is now working on the case.
This is not the first flag stolen from Rice.
A few years ago a flag with a birdhouse on it was also stolen from her home. The flag, costing approximately $100, was later found mounted in a snow bank on the Gorham campus. A second flag, bearing a picture of a snowman and also expensive, was later returned from the campus after it too was stolen.
Rice, upset at the situation, hopes that the flag will be returned to her because of its sentimental value.
“I am upset at the climate of the college. I can’t believe someone would steal an American flag at a time like this,” said Rice.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of the flag, Rice encourages them to please return it to her home, or report it to Gorham Police.
Staff Writer Aimee Risteen can be contacted at: [email protected]