Local Vet Speaks Out Against Viral Flag-Stomping Videos

WCCB Charlotte,

[gtxvideo vid=”RG5oyqbA” playlist=”” pid=”Bbt3TRDe” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/RG5oyqbA.jpg” vtitle=”flag stomping”]

Β BELMONT, NC – A local veteran is speaking out against a new online challenge encouraging people to stomp on the American flag.Β 

An Instagram video shows a woman jumping on an American Flag while yelling “I’m about to do the Eric Sheppard challenge. F*** your flag.”
Β 
The challenge started as a flag protest on the campus of Valdosta State University, but has now spread across the country.
Β 
Another video shows boots stepping on a flag with a woman saying, “I stand here in solidarity of my brother Eric Sheppard.”
Β 
The people in the videos are referring to a student who is a self-proclaimed terrorist.
Β 
“I’m sure the white media will put forth that i am a terrorist and indeed I am. I’m a terrorist toward lies, I’m a terrorist toward liars and those who are wicked. So yes, I am a terrorist toward white people,” said Sheppard, in a video on YouTube.
Β 
The β€œEric Sheppard” challenge is said to protest white supremacy.
Β 
“This is not about race. This is about the American flag, period,” said Jim Gardner, a Belmont resident. Β 
Β 
Air Force Veteran Jim Gardner calls himself β€œJo-nobody” in a video he posted online showing him and a group of vets hanging an American Flag.
Β 
In the video, Gardner says “My dad served in World War II and this is the flag that was on his coffin when he died.”
Β 
That was in 1994. The flag hasn’t been out of its case until now, because Jim has it flying at a marina in Belmont to protest the viral videos.
Β 
“We defended this country and we would give our lives in a heartbeat for it and I still would, and I be damned if I’m going to let somebody spit and walk on it and not say anything,” said Gardner.
Β 
Jim hopes his video leads to peaceful protests against desecration of the American flag.
Β 
He also hopes lawmakers will step up to change desecration laws.