Parente said someone brought the "Don't Tread on Me" flag, also known as the Gadsden flag, to a sunset ceremony on March 21 and the veterans decided to fly it, given the flag's historic military connections.

WSJ: City: No 'Don't Tread on Me' flag on public land

He said the order had observed loyalist flag protestors being able to march into Belfast every week without a Parades Commission ruling.

BBC: Northern Ireland

Rev Mervyn Gibson said the order had observed loyalist flag protestors being able to march into Belfast every week without a Parades Commission ruling.

BBC: Orange Order may not give police notice on parades

Ulster Unionist Jim Wilson tabled an amendment calling for the union flag to be flown on 17 March.

BBC: Call for St Patrick's Day holiday

Twitter may launch its new advertising platform in March, but a question remains: Are hash tags the best means to flag sponsored content?

FORBES: Buzz Patrol