BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- A family who had just moved into an East Bakersfield neighborhood did not make a good first impression to its new neighbors as the residents said the family displayed a Confederate flag in front of their house.

A resident in the neighborhood called ABC23 about the family. When camera crews spoke with other residents in the neighborhood, many said that they believe that the flag brings hatred into their community and is the symbol of white supremacy.

Other residents, however, said that they hadn't noticed the flag.

The family, who moved to the neighborhood one week ago from Indiana, said they had put up the flag less than 24 hours before ABC23 spoke with them.

Mike Telese, the father of the family, said that the flag represents history to them and not racism.

"The flag has no racial issues. Some of our ancestors fought and died for that flag," he said.

The family said it did not mean to offend anyone, and Telese said he has decided to take down the flag to avoid problems.

He said he would replace it with an American flag.