Politics & Government

Foxborough BOS Chair has Message for Flag Thief: 'Wake Up Before it is Too Late'

Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis said while there isn't much to add about the "ignorance and stupidity" behind the actions of the Foxborough Town Common flag thief, he did have the following message for the individual.

On Saturday, Michael Johns, Deputy Director of the Crossroads Veterans’ Services District, told Foxborough officials the Town Common’s American flag was stolen some time Friday night.

The flag was lowered to half-mast earlier in the day to honor Pfc. Antonio Syrakos of Lynn, who passed away on Jan. 10 and was to be raised and lowered again to half-mast on Saturday in memory of retired town treasurer/collector Barbara Germaine.

Foxborough Police Chief Edward O’Leary was unavailable for comment Saturday but Foxborough Board of Selectmen chair James DeVellis had a message for the flag thief.

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“To the person who stole our town flag, please think about this: Our flag was lowered to half-mast on Friday to honor Pfc. Antonio Syrakos of Lynn who died Jan. 10th,” DeVellis said. “It was then to be raised and then lowered again to honor our Barbara Germaine, who contributed immensely to Foxborough. The Board of Selectmen deal with many issues that cross our table, but ignorance and stupidity behind your action is pretty rare.

“Thankfully, Michael Johns acted quickly to replace the flag early [Saturday] morning at sunrise while many slept. Until you understand what you did, there is nothing really to say that will make a difference. Perhaps you will meet a veteran one day and have a conversation with him that will wake you up before it is too late.”

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to the stolen flag, Johns told officials he learned the old firehouse on the corner of School and Rockhill streets was broken into.

“Upon reporting [the stolen flag], I was told the fire department was also broken into,” Johns said.

It is unknown at this time if anything was taken from the former fire station.

Anyone with information related to Friday’s incident is asked to contact the Foxborough Police at (508) 543-4343.

Note: This story will be updated.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here