Historic US flag flown after JFK assassination stolen

July 9, 2025

A historic American flag, flown at half-mast after President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, has been stolen from Foyle College in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The flag had significant historical value, having been originally flown at the former US Naval Communications Station that previously occupied the school's site.

Who is affected

Foyle College and its community
Former US Navy personnel with connections to the flag (Frank Ekstrom, Sandra Malcor and her late husband)
People who value the historical significance of the flag
Visitors who attended the recent flag-raising ceremony
The broader community with historical ties to the US Navy presence in Derry

What action is being taken

Police are investigating the theft that reportedly occurred at 4:00 BST on Sunday
Police have issued an appeal for information about the flag's whereabouts
The school bursar, Neil Stewart, has publicly appealed for the flag's immediate return
Frank Ekstrom has called on those responsible to "do the honourable thing" and return the flag

Why it matters

The flag holds significant historical value both locally and internationally
It is directly connected to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963
The flag represents the long-standing US Navy presence in Derry, which dates back to World War II
It symbolizes the historical connection between the US and Northern Ireland
The flag has personal significance to many former US Navy personnel like Frank Ekstrom, who cared for it over many years

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC