Renowned Denton Business Frenchy's Told To Remove American Flags
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DENTON (CBSDFW.COM) - There are few people in Denton unfamiliar with Frenchy's and their bright orange trucks that promote birthdays and charity events.
The owner, Andre "Frenchy" Rheault, 67, has also flown American flags there for more than 20 years.
"Our country is extremely divided right now and if there's one thing that can bring us together it's the American flag," said Rheault.
Frenchy's is a landscaping company that looks pretty much the way it did 30 years ago, which is why Rheault was stunned to find a citation in his mailbox ordering him to remove the two dozen American flags in front of his business.
"I feel that patriotism is not a part time job and I should be allowed to fly my flags," said Rheault.
The flag flap doesn't sit well with thousands of Frenchy's friends either whose birthdays are promoted on his famous trucks.
"He's huge. He's bigger than life," said Denton resident Doryce Judd.
The city allows only three flags on properties. Frenchy's citation said the business will have to obtain a permit for its 'wind devices' or remove them from public view.
"We are asking of him the same thing that other businesses have to comply with," said Community Improvement Services Manager, Lancine Bently.
But critics argue so many flags in front of one business is exploitive.
"Frenchy's constant overuse of the American flag to promote his business annoys me," wrote one man online who claims he's an Army officer.
The citation was delivered the same day Frenchy's posted 30 flags in the front yard of a family awaiting a soldier's arrival home.
Rheault said he just understand why his flags are now a problem.
"Code enforcement I think is trying to do their jobs but they are going over and above and not using common sense," he said.
Rheault said a permit will cost $90 every 30 days for each flag. Thus, he plans to fight the citation in court and he has a lot of support.
This petition went online a day ago and already has 2000 signatures.
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