From U.S. Capitol to Front Porch: Suozzi Replaces Stolen Flag for Veteran

Glen Cove, NY – After reading a letter published in Newsday from Frederick Robert Bedell Jr., a Vietnam-era veteran whose American flag was recently stolen from his home in Bellerose, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D–Long Island, Queens) wanted to help. Today, he visited Mr. Bedell and replaced the stolen flag and flagpole with an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol.

“If I have said it once, and I have said it hundreds of times: ‘Never Forget the Vet,’” said Suozzi. “After reading Mr. Bedell’s letter in Newsday, I secured an American flag that had flown over the Capitol to replace the one that was stolen from his home.

“We must always uphold our solemn promise to those who have served our nation by ensuring they receive the respect, resources, and dignity they deserve—including something as meaningful as a replacement American flag,” added Suozzi.

On Friday, Suozzi returned from Washington, D.C. with the American flag, presented it to Mr. Bedell, and spent time with the veteran, who is also battling cancer.

“The work of Congress is often challenging, but moments spent with courageous veterans, like Mr. Bedell, remind us why the work matters,” concluded Suozzi.

Mr. Bedell, 76, is a proud Vietnam-era U.S. Navy veteran who served aboard two U.S. warships and remains deeply engaged in his community. He is a member of Our Lady of the Snows Church in Floral Park and serves as Grand Knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council No. 5911 in Douglaston.

Mr. Bedell’s letter to Newsday:  

Musings: I'm a vet whose flag was stolen

Where is today’s American patriotism? My American flag was recently stolen overnight. And the person or persons also took the pole it was on.

I’ve lived in this Glen Oaks Village development for 20 years and in Little Neck, Queens, for 10 years and never had this happen.

My flag was the only one on the block. I am 76 and have served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era and aboard destroyers, aircraft carriers, and helicopters. I served with respect for our flag and in defense of our nation.

This egregious act is an insult against all the men and women who have served our country, some of whom sacrificed their lives.

The American flag is the fabric of our nation. It represents all the men and women who have served and have lost arms, legs or sight. May God forgive whoever stole my flag. I wish the perpetrator(s) would return it.

— Frederick Robert Bedell Jr., Bellerose

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