NATICK, Mass. -- Just days after several American flags were stolen and burned in Natick, the community came together to show its resolve and patriotism on Memorial Day.

NewsCenter 5's Shiba Russell reported that vandals who struck last Thursday, burning decorative American flags in town trash barrels around the town square, did not dampen the enthusiasm of residents who showed up for Memorial Day ceremony.

They raised the flag over the square to the strains of the American national anthem, and all the flags from war memorials that were burned were replaced.

Veterans who attended the ceremony addressed the vandalism.

"You have the right now to burn a flag. Unfortunately, that is your right to do that. But it is not your right to burn somebody else's flag," veteran Ed Carr said.

"So the people or persons who did the desecration the other day, let's hope that they don't have to lose their freedom," veteran Edward Jolley said.

Word spread fast, and Monday's ceremony featured a new flag that once flew over the U.S. Capitol. It was donated by U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch.

"I think it had the unintended consequence by the people who did this of bringing the town together and bringing the Commonwealth together, because we've gotten an outpouring of support," veteran John McGillivray said.

The support spilled out onto the streets of Natick as a parade with marching bands drew hundreds who wanted to show their support for servicemen and women who have died for their country.

There have been no arrests in the flag burnings.