In the end, I made some children happy. Next time, I will do better.”

Jim Craig

OKEECHOBEE — Okeechobee’s Republican Party Chairman Jim Craig expressed regret over the flag controversy that took place during and after the Speckled Perch Parade last weekend.

“It was my mistake and mine alone. I just saw some little kids with flags and some kids without flags and wanted to give some to the kids,” he said.

Craig went on to explain he was riding in the parade and had several people walking along the route giving out small flags to anyone who wanted one. Unfortunately, the walkers ended up ahead of his vehicle and were not near enough for him to call. So, looking to the parents for permission, he tossed some of the small flags to the children.

“Could I have done it differently? Should I have done things differently? Looking back, yes. I should have handled it differently, but I was trying to be kind to children.”

Craig said he heard a woman in the crowd yelling and at first did not know what she was saying. He finally realized she was upset he was allowing flags to land on the ground.

“She was really upset about it. She was hollering and her lower lip was quivering. I felt bad, but there was nothing I could do about it by then.”

Craig said he did not even realize the woman who was so upset was the editor of the local newspaper until he heard the story was on Facebook a couple days later.

“A lady came to our booth very upset and very loud. I tried to calm her down, but she was really upset, and many people gathered around. It was like a group shouting match, everyone talking at the same time. I struggle with PTSD and couldn’t handle that, so I walked away.”

Craig expressed regret that an impulsive decision on his part put a damper on the parade.

“I love our country and our flag,” he said. I work every day to save America. I am a disabled combat veteran with two deployments in Vietnam. I will continue to pass out flags to our children but will do it in the most respectful way possible. I regret the way I gave them the flags, but in the end, I made some children happy.”

“Thank you, Okeechobee, for standing up for America and for our flag. This is one of the best places to live. Now, this week is early voting. Let’s all stand up and do our duty and vote. Let’s keep America free. Election day for the presidential primary is March 19. The general primary is August 20, and the general election will take place on November 5.”