White House expresses support for Barfoot - NBC12 - WWBT - Richmond, VA News On Your Side

By Ryan Nobles - bio | email
Posted by Terry Alexander - email

HENRICO, VA (WWBT) – It is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the date that marked the beginning of U.S. involvement in World War II.

On this important date, Henrico World War II veteran Colonel Van T. Barfoot, is still waiting to learn what will come of his controversial flag pole. Monday the Colonel got some support from an unlikely source. 

As he fielded questions on the health care debate and the war in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama's Chief Spokesman Robert Gibbs was presented with this: 

"Does the President support Col. Van T. Barfoot?" 

Perhaps the best evidence that the Barfoot saga has become a national debate. Gibbs did not parse his words. 

"I think it's silly to think that somebody that's done that couldn't have a flagpole," said Gibbs. 

Gibbs said that he hasn't spoke to the president about the Barfoot controversy, but made it clear, that the White House thinks the Sussex Square Community Association has gone too far. 

"The President believes, I think all of us believe, that the least we can do is show our gratitude to someone who served our country so admirably," Gibbs said. 

A resolution to the matter could come as soon as tomorrow morning. Resolution to an issue that has now garnered the attention of both U.S. Senators and now the office of the President. 

"I dare say that we all have had run-ins with neighborhood associations. I think the notion that you can't do that is kind of silly," Gibbs said. 

And if you'd like to read more about the White House response to the Barfoot controversy and to see Robert Gibbs entire statement on the topic, just go to DecisionVirginia.com. 

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