City Orders Restaurant To Remove Flags Honoring ‘Fallen Heroes’, Owner Refuses
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, local restaurant owner Johnny Brann is facing a zoning dispute over a memorial he created to honor fallen police officers and military personnel.
The story unfolded in 2018, when city leaders contended that the exhibit surpassed the permitted boundaries for signage.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed numerous debates concerning flags and symbols across the United States. It’s evidently a sensitive topic.
One such story gained significant attention in 2018 when the owner of Brann’s Steakhouse in Grand Rapids reached a breaking point. It all began when the Grand Rapids Planning Department received a complaint about excessive signage on the Brann’s Steakhouse building on Leonard Street.
Subsequently, the city sent a letter to the owner, Johnny Brann, stating that the flags and signs honoring the memory of fallen police officers and military personnel violated city regulations. If he refused to remove the signs, he would be forced to pay fines.
While the city insisted on adherence to rules, Brann argued that his display represented an essential expression of gratitude and respect for law enforcement and military service members.
“Those flags are staying on the building, they are not coming down. It’s about supporting the military and law enforcement,” says Johnny Brann, owner of Brann’s Steakhouse, told Fox17.
The signs honor the memory of David Warsen Jr. (U.S. Navy), Robert Kozminski (Grand Rapids Police), Eric Burri (U.S. Army), Trevor Slot (Walker Police), and Kevin Marshall (Michigan State Police).
For their relatives, the signs serve an incredibly important purpose, and the city’s desire to remove them dealt a harsh blow to already burdened families. David Warsen Jr., a Navy SEAL who died in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan, was one of the individuals honored by the signs.
“If you talk to most people who have lost a child, the No. 1 thing they say is you don’t want their memory forgotten,” Warsen Sr told MLive and added:
“To be able to see the flag when I go by … it just gives me great joy knowing people are thinking about my son and his memory continues to live on.”
Unsurprisingly, the debate quickly became heated, given the symbolic significance of the flags. Johnny received significant support from many, including law enforcement and families of fallen military members.
“We’re behind him 100%. It means a lot to us as police officers to be able to look up and see those flags and remember the fallen,” said Andy Bingel, with the GRPD Police Officer’s Association.
City leaders maintained that the display on the Leonard St. restaurant contravened zoning ordinances, emphasizing that it was a matter of quantity rather than content.
“We do not regulate content. He has his first amendment right to put whatever he wants on his signs. We regulate the number, size and placement of signs,” said Suzanne Schulz, Managing Director for Design and Development of the City of Grand Rapids.
Tribute Faces Zoning Limits
The display—featuring flags and a sign—was deemed by city officials to exceed local signage regulations. This has led to a broader conversation about how communities can honor public service while staying within city codes.
Owner Defends the Memorial
Brann remains committed to the tribute, describing it as a heartfelt symbol of gratitude to those who serve. Despite regulatory concerns, he has no intention of removing it.
Steps Toward Compliance
In response to the city’s concerns, Brann plans to apply for a zoning variance. This process involves public hearings, application fees, and reviews by city committees, and reflects his intent to work within the system to preserve the display.
Addressing Public Concerns
Amid public attention, Brann also removed several banners that some viewed as politically charged, aiming to keep the focus on honoring service and sacrifice.
Looking for a Balanced Solution
As both parties work through the zoning process, there is hope for a compromise that respects city guidelines while recognizing the community’s desire to honor local heroes.
Moving Forward with Optimism
Brann remains hopeful that community support and dialogue with city officials will lead to a resolution that maintains the spirit of the memorial while aligning with local regulations.