WOBURN, Mass. -- Some highway overpass banners and flags that honor U.S. soldiers must be removed.

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported Wednesday that the Mass Highway Department wants to take some of them down, sighting safety concerns for drivers below. Many veterans said that's it's a disservice to those fighting for our country.

"When you go through these bridges, especially when they are bright and fresh, your pride in your country is unbelievable. People tell me this all the time,"

Wareing has decorated a number of overpasses, but he was told to undo some of his work.

"It sort of hurt. I am disappointed. I actually drove through one of the bridges I took down yesterday, and it was emotional going through it with nothing on it. Seeing it for five years, it was put up after Sept.11, and knowing the meaning of the whole thing and why it started and what this country faces today, it really is disappointing to see them come down," he said.

"I think it's unfair for the sacrifices that the American people have paid -- the ultimate price. This just lets the community know how much the veterans are loved," veteran Sandy Hodge said.

Wareing said that he's put the signs and flags up as a display of patriotism.

"Certainly, if people go about this and secure their banners appropriately, do it on the inside of the fence rather than the outside where it could become detached and fall down to the roadway, those are applications that we are certainly willing to permit," Mass Highway Department spokesman John Carlisle said.

"It's not like I want recognition. I just want people to know that we have people over there who are giving their lives," Wareing said.

Joe Pouech said that he doesn't understand why his flags were removed.

"Maybe it's the flavor of the month. Hey, it's politics. I beats me," he said.