Large US Flag stolen from Tweetsie Railroad

Authorities in Watauga County are looking for the thief who stole a 25x40-foot U.S. Flag from a train trestle last weekend at the Tweetsie Railroad theme park.

The flag goes up on the trestle every year for Independence Day. It’s an especially important day for Tweetsie, as the park first opened 68 years ago on July 4.

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The park is busy preparing for the holiday and plans to host a fireworks show.

Investigators believe the flag was ripped or cut before it was taken between 10 p.m. Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday. It’s valued at more than $1,000, authorities told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty.

“I think somebody is very lowlife to do something like that,” said resident Becky Miller. “I mean, steal a flag? I just don’t understand.”

Theme park officials hope to replace the flag by the Fourth of July.

“It’s hurtful,” said veteran Tiffany Greer. “It’s disrespectful, and they need to return it. "

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 828-268-6959. You may also Text “NCTIP plus your tip” to 274637 (CRIMES). All information will be kept confidential.

Tweetsie is working with a company in Charlotte to have the big flag replaced this week, Faherty learned.

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