Don’t mess with veterans. Even if they’re 73 years old.

The Weatherstone Home Owners Association learned that the hard way when they sent Vietnam veteran Tony Cumberworth a notice saying his American flag – which has been flying outside his Georgia home for 20 years – was in violation of HOA rules.

“They’re not going to take it away,” Cumberworth vowed to NBC 11.

“I fought for this country, my son fought for this country – I do not understand them trying to take away my rights,” he said.

The notice sent by the HOA said the veteran had four days to remove the flag and the pole or he would be fined $50 a day thereafter.

“I’m not paying it,” he declared.

Cumberworth reviewed the bylaws and found no regulations pertaining to flying a flag.

“This is America and nobody can tell me that I’m not allowed to show my patriotism,” he said.

After the vet brought attention to the threat from his HOA, the group saw the light.

“Please disregard the code violation notice. It was sent to your home in error. We truly thank you for your service in Vietnam and your American flag can stay in your yard as long as you desire,” a follow-up notice read.

“I’m at a loss for words. If you live in America, you should stand behind America,” one of his neighbors said.