Veteran Contends with Local Government Over Flag Rights

A disabled Vietnamese veterinarian is now embroiled in a conflict with his local government in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Leonard Amikola, a long-time resident of the village for 67 years, insists he has the constitutional right to display a flag that states “Trump is my President.” He argues that expressing support for the former president is part of his free speech rights, as he explained to News12 Westchester.

Amikola has been displaying Trump flags and banners since 2021, and he acknowledges facing backlash from some community members who’ve retaliated by throwing rocks and stealing his flags.

“I used to have it on Paul, and one night someone came and took it,” Amikola recounted. “So when you decide to put it there, I think it means they can’t get to it.”

The village has a “long-standing ban on banners,” according to Mayor Brian Pugh, who maintains that the issue is a matter of code enforcement rather than free speech.

Pugh mentioned to News12 that at least 17 other properties in the area have been cited for similar violations.

In light of this, Amikola has hired a lawyer to help him continue displaying his banner.

His attorney, Roseann Schuyler, asserts that the village’s enforcement actions seem to target the content of his speech rather than just the physical displays. “I feel that his actions are protected under the First Amendment,” she stated.

Schuyler has indicated that Amikola is prepared to contest this issue, which may potentially escalate to federal court.

It’s worth noting that the village had previously supported Amikola by allowing a different kind of banner in 2023. He was recognized as a “Hometown Hero” as part of a Veterans Banner Program meant to honor local military service members.

Local authorities described the program as a way to provide a year-round reminder of courage and sacrifice for the village and beyond, highlighting Amikola’s contributions.