Catch a Fire
- Jan Carey
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
I didn't go to D.C. with the intentions of setting the American Flag on fire, but then I had to.
Together with 4 other combat veterans, since May 2025, we knew we wanted to make a statement, but we weren't always sure what form it would take. We knew we wanted to protest the National Guard occupying the city, and being used at the whim of the President.
We decided that we would go to DC for a sit-in until the National Guard was gone. The same day we started our sit-in, Donald Trump signed an executive order that infringed on our first amendment right, our protected constitutional right. Instantly I knew there could be no ignoring what he thought he could do.
It wasn't a matter of disrespecting the flag; I'm a veteran. I fought under that flag, with that flag, for that flag. It's a matter of protesting against what the president was putting out: an executive order because he feels he can do anything that he wants and that's just not the case.
I was released hours later, cited with starting a fire in a park, and I am not in jail for one year.
That being said, more charges could be coming. The Go Fund Me for all of us vets has been paused, but you can stay updated more frequently by signing up through that website: rememberyouroath.org
I am raising funds for legal fees, and you can support me here.
From the News:
Want to help grassroots organizations that fight fascism and have an every day mission to help their communities?
Consider these two organizations, we personally know the organizers and their good work:
Redneck Rising, providing mutual aid all throughout WNC
Venmo: @rednecksrising
Hendersonville Pride, supports all LGBTQIA2S+ people live safely and openly in our communities we call home
Follow my fellow combat veterans on IG:
@usarmyoverlord
@defensetrans
@usmcangryveteran
@jolly_good_ginger
Comments