BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
After the news of Osama bin Laden's death, most of the images across the country were of celebrations. However, there was a sign of possible opposition on LSU's campus Monday. The American flag that flew over the campus war memorial was burned and the university flag was stolen.
"Someone, an individual or group of individuals, came on our campus, cut down the flag that flies 24 hours a day over this campus, burned our American colors," said William Conger, assistant professor of military science.
Capt. William Conger of the U.S. Army said he and some cadets got the news just before sunrise. Charred cement near the war memorial and a bare pole where an American, the LSU and state flags waved marked the spot of vast disappointment.
"I said, ‘There's nothing I can do about it but say it's wrong and move forward,' but I wasn't satisfied with that," said David Jones, an LSU student.
Jones said he sent out text messages and made phone calls, asking students to show up for a prayer service at the memorial site. Conger and some cadets had secured the scorched American colors as soon as they found out what happened. Most of the students didn't need to see it to understand what it meant.
"(Sigh) It's like we were attacked on our home turf," said Sloan Bishop, another LSU student.
Raylea Barrow, whose family is from Belize, said Americans are fortunate to live in a country that shows so much pride. She called the desecration of the flag a slap in the face.
"Why would you do that to such a wonderful country that has freedom and opportunity for everyone?" she questioned.
Conger wants the person or persons who did this to think long and hard about what the colors of the flag really represent.
"We wear that flag on a daily basis. It's something we cherish. It means very much to us because of the sacrifices our brothers and sisters have taken to have the freedom you expressed today," Conger explained.
The burned flag was replaced Monday night with a brand new one. Several students stopped by the war memorial site to witness the reposting of the American colors. It was a two-hour ordeal that involved a huge hydraulic man lift, along with lots of rope and manpower. The military marched in a ceremony to officially replace the flag just before 8 p.m.
The operation was just a temporary fix, but those who watched down below said it was imperative the symbol of freedom and sacrifice be replaced immediately.
"It gives me comfort and peace," said Taylor Hudson, another LSU student. "I'm in America. This is a safe country. We have freedom, rights. I'm all about symbols. I love symbols and this is about patriotism and liberty."
A cable has been ordered out of California. Once that comes in, LSU and state flags will also be hoisted up the pole.
The burned flag is in the hands of the LSU Police Department and the LSU flag is still missing. The state flag was not damaged.
If you have any information that could help detectives, call LSU police at 578-3231.
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The burned flag was replaced Monday night with a brand new one.
An American flag on LSU's campus was burned Monday morning and the school flag was stolen.
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