It was early Sunday morning when Ramon Borrero of Reading walked outside of his home and first saw what had happened. The American flag that would normally be flying in front of his home wasn't simply tossed in the garbage. It was ripped to shreds and the bracket holding it was left a twisted mess.
Ramon told Action News that he put up the flag to honor his country and his family. He currently has several cousins serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both his grandfathers fought in World War II. They are men he refers to as Puerto Rican patriots.
Once word of Ramon's situation got around during the past two days, he started receiving flags and accessories from all around the region. In fact, Action News was there when a representative from a Memorial Day committee in Guttenberg in northern New Jersey arrived.
Borrero also received a flag from State Representative Thomas Caltagirone who sent Action News a statement from Harrisburg. It reads, in part, "I was appalled at the vandalism at Mr. Borrero's home. That is why I decided to replace his flag and I hope he flies it bravely, in stark contrast to the coward who destroyed the other one."
Ramon says this whole experience has reaffirmed his faith in America.
"I'm very surprised, and I'm happy. I will fly the flags for Fourth of July weekend. I can't wait to put them back up there. "
Borrero he wasted no time hanging one of the new flags Tuesday afternoon with a little help from his brother, Faustino.
In the end, Ramon says he and his family are not angry at the person who did this. He just hopes that person realizes that while you can destroy a flag. You can never destroy what it represents.
