A flag of the United States of America was saved from burning today after a brave patriot quelled the flames using an African American man.
Billy-Bob Abernathy, 54 of Florida started the accidental blaze last night while attempting to ignite a cross shaped bonfire on his lawn. After the wind blew the Stars and Stripes into the flames catching it alight, Mr Abernathy sprang to action and set about trying to save his precious flag. During the commotion, 22 year old African American medical student, Trevor Barnes, was walking by Mr Abernathy’s home on the way to meet with friends. Determined to save the cloth rectangle from total combustion, Mr Abernathy seized Mr Barnes and used his person to beat out the flames.
The flag is said to be in a stable condition with repairs to the charred areas being made in the following days.
The story reached the attention of President Donald Trump who subsequently tweeted, “So glad to hear the flag is safe. Abernathy is an American hero. Some flags don’t get this kind of respect. Shame.”
In an interview this morning Mr Abernathy told the Herald, “Wowee was I in a pickle! I thought for sure I was gonna lose my flag. Lucky for me that there black fella’ was happening on by so I could put out them dang flames!”
When asked whether he thought the life of a young black man was worth the saving of a flag, Mr Abernathy responded, “Well sure it is, but I don’t make the rules. That’s just the way of things. It goes white people, the flag of our great nation then everything else. Ain’t nothin’ gonna change that.”
Many members of the local community will meet tonight in a candlelight vigil for the flag and other flags throughout the United States who’s lives were cut short prematurely. The event was organised by the recently established Flag Lives Matter movement.
Mr Barnes passed away earlier today having suffered severe burns. His family have been informed by police that while his death was a tragic consequence, there was no other viable option.
