Massachusetts State Rep: 8 flags part of tribute to fallen Marine damaged beyond repair, placed upside down

Police are investigating a weekend incident where a Massachusetts tribute to a soldier was damaged by vandals.

According to State Representative Steve Xiarhos, sometime overnight on Friday/Saturday, a total of eight United States flags were disrespected, taken down, and placed upside down on the U.S. Marine Corporal William Donovan Memorial Overpass on West Yarmouth Road in Yarmouth—four flags from the eastbound side and four from the westbound side.

All eight flags were damaged beyond repair. They have since been removed and will be properly and respectfully retired.

Xiarhos noted that Big Nick’s Ride for the Fallen and the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund will cover the cost of replacing all eight flags. The new flags have already been ordered. Once they arrive, we’ll install grommets on all four corners, present them to the Donovan Family, and get them back up on the overpass where they belong, proudly flying in honor of a true American hero.

The tribute stands for United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal William J. Donovan, Jr., a Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School Class of 2006 graduate, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, and a Marine who served bravely in Afghanistan. Will tragically lost his life at age 27 in 2015 in a motorcycle crash while riding with the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Riders in the Boston area.

Xiarhos issued the following statement:

“Both Will Donovan and my son, Nicholas, now rest at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne—where heroes rest. These two young men were classmates. They were proud U.S. Marines. They went to war, they served with courage, and they were taken from us far too soon.

“This act of disrespect will not diminish their memory. If anything, it only strengthens our resolve to defend their honor and protect the sacred spaces that bear witness to their sacrifice.

“I ask everyone to stay vigilant and help us watch over our Veterans Memorial Overpasses. These tributes matter. They are a part of who we are.

If you have any information about this crime, please contact the Yarmouth Police Department at 508.775.0445.