A Northampton man is charged with setting fire to an American flag. 65 year-old Douglas Wight plead not guilty Thursday in Northampton District Court to burning the flag.

Police say Wight burned the flag that was hanging from a tree on someones property in Northampton and left a note for police that was titled "our American flag is now a symbol of shame." His anti-war letter was identical to ones left at flag burnings in other towns. Within the last month, the flag at the Greenfield post office was lowered and lit on fire in a dumpster behind the building. Newly hung flags on a Mass Pike overpass in Palmer were burned, and a
note was left in Amherst when a flag was stolen. Police think Wight intended to burn it. Wight is charged with burning land, trees and vandalizing property.

Witnesses at the Palmer burning reported seeing a silver pickup truck leave the scene. That description, along with the notes and footprints, led police to Wight. Wight told police he has been staying with friends in Northampton and has no permanent address. His lawyer told police he was a school teacher in New Jersey and a political activist, and he is not a flight risk.

Wight's bail is set for $500. Greenfield, Palmer and Amherst are still investigating and Wight may face additional charges.