Arizona woman’s tribute to fallen soldier called ‘nuisance’ by HOA

SURPRISE, Ariz. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - An Arizona woman, trying to keep the memory of her brother alive, says she is facing some push back from her Homeowner's Association (HOA).

Kendall Rasmusson says the group sent her a message asking her to take down a display of her brother she has on her garage.

A display of patriotism for Memorial Day outside a Surprise home comes from the heart.

"My brother really loved his country, and I'm very proud and that's really the point," Rasmusson shared.

Rasmusson's brother, Sgt. John Daggett, is the fallen soldier these stars and stripes honor.

He was killed in action in May 2008 when he was 21-years-old. Every year this month becomes a month of mourning for Rasmusson.

"It's been interesting navigating life without him," Rasmusson expressed.

But her tribute, specifically the poster magnet on her garage door, is considered a "nuisance," according to a letter sent by the HOA management company on May 7.

"They put it in comparison with dead plants, dead trees and bushes and it was kind of offensive have it be in this comparison of what they're calling a nuisance," Rasmusson explained.

She's been told to take it down.

In a follow up email she received Friday, the management company said their intention was not to cause frustration or overlook the significance of the display after Rasmusson posted about it on social media.

The company also claims they noticed the poster up for several months, considering it a permanent exterior feature instead of a decoration.

Decorations can go up 30 days before a holiday and taken down 10 days after.

"Now it seems kind of like a repeat process because we've already done this in 2018," Rasmusson said.

The previous management company cited her $500 for the garage magnet, but after an online petition, she was allowed to keep the display up for other holidays like Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day and her brother's birthday.

She believes the new management company isn't aware of that.

A CBS affiliate in the Phoenix area talked with neighbors, including a man who gifted her a flag, Robert Miller, who say they wouldn't mind if she kept the poster up all year long.

"I think they should be able to keep it up and honor the person that they have," Miller declared.

For now, Rasmusson is trying to get through the month and focus on celebrating her brother's life on Memorial Day.