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On Wednesday, members of the Great Falls Tea Party issued a statement about Saturday's flag incident, and on Thursday, it was Mayor Michael Winters' turn to offer his perspective.

The TEA Party group was holding a rally near 10th Avenue South and 20th Street, and one of the estimated two dozen people participating in the event was displaying an American flag in an upside-down position - traditionally a sign of distress.

Great Falls Mayor Michael Winters, a military veteran, was near the scene and according to several witnesses, engaged the flag-holder and used harsh language in objecting to the flag being displayed in such a manner.

Mayor Winters stopped by the KRTV studios on Thursday morning and spoke with reporter Kay Rossi.

Winters said, in part, ""It wasn't a Tea Party episode or incident. It was an isolated incident of disrespect. It was an isolated incident of a person standing on the grounds of respect for our colors. I have absolutely no problem with the Tea Party people."

Here's the video: