The flag, belonging to Patrick Ward Memorial Post 850 in the Fairmount section, measured 12 feet by 24 feet. The flag was donated to the post by Smith, Kline and French when the firm closed its Center City building several years ago.
"It's terrible. We're all disgusted," James Forziat of Fairmount said.
The flag was used by members of the post on Memorial Day and on the anniversary of Patrick Ward's death during the Vietnam War.
Ward was a popular young man who grew up in the neighborhood and attended Roman Catholic High School in the 1960s.
A representative of the post says all he can't imagine why someone would do such a thing, but that they only want the flag returned...no questions asked.
The representative added he doesn't know how they'll be able to replace the flag if it's not returned.
What residents can't figure is why someone would want to steal it.
"I feel like a it's a desecration of the American Flag. Why would you steal something as sacred as our American flag?" Gene Rapone of American Legion Post 850 said.
Parkway Memorial Post 7650 located at 757 N 24th Street is offering a $100 reward for the return of the stolen flag, no questions asked.
