Patriots in Fairfax County made a difference last night — the planning commission relented and voted to NOT recommend onerous rules limiting the number and size of flags that homeowners can lawfully fly.

Last night’s vote came on the heels of a media firestorm and mounting public outrage against the anti-flag measure. If enacted, the new rule would:

• Ban flags larger than 24 square feet
• Ban “fallen hero” flags, which drape caskets of deceased servicemen and women (these are 50 square feet)
• Limit homeowners to just two flags (national, state, military or college flags would all count)
• Limit the height of flagpoles at single family homes to 25 feet

The Fairfax GOP sounded the alarm through its emails and social media channels, urging citizens to share their concerns with the planning commission. In addition, the Fairfax GOP launched a Change.org petition — as of this writing, 470 individuals have signed.

County Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) called the measure a solution in search of a problem. “I find this to be a poorly thought-out amendment and one that I will strongly oppose if it comes before the Board of Supervisors next Tuesday, March 9,” Herrity tweeted yesterday evening.

While the planning commission failed to endorse the anti-flag measure during last night’s meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could revive it nevertheless. The board’s chairman, Jeff McKay (D-Lee), seemed keen on the measure in a statement issued to Fox News. “The proposed ordinance aims to allow residents to still fly flags proudly with reasonable guidelines, while protecting everyone’s First Amendment rights,” McKay said.

Here are some ways to keep the heat on Fairfax Dems:

• Sign the petition
• Share this article via social media (e.g., via Facebook or Twitter)
• Email your supervisor
• Sign up to (virtually) speak on March 9
• Subscribe to the Fairfax GOP newsletter
• Donate to the Fairfax GOP (every dollar helps)

Thank you for defending our flag and our freedoms!