PEORIA, AZ — Donna Cordero is a proud American. Both of her late husbands served in the Navy and her two sons are former military.
When she looked into getting reflective numbers on her curb in her Westbrook Village community in Peoria, she didn't think twice about adding an American flag.
The company that painted the numbers and flags gave homeowners the chance to add the American flag among other options.
"And I thought when I would see the flag and I drive up in my driveway it was kind of peaceful knowing that my husbands would approve of that flag," said Cordero.
Westbrook Village HOA rules do state that if reflective numbers are painted on the curb, there should be no "decorative art" placed along with the street number.
"I think it’s just sad it really is. I think it’s like sometimes you have a commitment with your husband and you find out he cheated on you and you feel really let down - well that’s how I feel," she said.
Her son came by her home this weekend and painted over the flag in order for her to meet with the HOA's demands.
Donna says if it were up to her, she wouldn't have painted over the flag. She hopes her story reaches other Westbrook Village residents who may not be as familiar with the HOA's rules.
"Never in my wildest dreams would I ever thought it would be offensive to have this little six-inch flag on my curb. If so, I would’ve never done it because I am not a troublemaker or anything like that," said Cordero.
A spokesperson for the Westbrook Village Association provided the following statement:
"The American Flag is a symbol that is cherished by the Westbrook Village Association. The Flag is flown proudly by the Association at its community recreational centers, and at its Veteran’s Memorial Ramada. Moreover, all residents within Westbrook Village are encouraged to display the American Flag on their property in a manner that is respectful and in accordance with the United States Flag Code. The Association’s Rules prohibit the display of any decoration on the curb. The primary purpose of this rule is to protect the safety of the residents by making the painted address numbers more visible to emergency personnel."
