Thief grows conscience and returns stolen flag to 9/11 family

A woman, who lost her brother in the September 11 attacks, is rejoicing after the flag given to her to commemorate his brave actions was returned.

A thief stole the flag, which flew over Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks, last week.

The American flag was given to Melissa Brengal after her firefighter brother Jonathan Ielpi died in the south tower of the World Trade Centre on that faithful day. Flags were given to the families of all the victims by the September 11th Families Association.

Jonathan Ielpi. Source Facebook

Speaking to local media a few days ago Brengal told how she only put the flag on special occasions to remember her heroic brother.

After putting out a series of appeals with little hope Melissa found the thief had returned the flag in time for Independence Day, with a simple note reading: “I am so sorry, I had no idea.”

A delighted Melissa commented on the act on Facebook.

“I don't know who took it or why. I guess they had their reasons. I am just glad that their conscious got the best of them and they did the right thing by returning it.

“I also hope it taught them a lesson and they don't try and pull something like this, with any one, again. Power in numbers and social media is an amazing thing,” said Brengal.

The thief remains at large, but we are glad to see him/her returned the flag to the family.