A home security camera in North Carolina captured moving footage of a sweet act of patriotism warming social media users’ hearts across the nation.
On Jan. 14, an “unknown” soldier passing by a Hope Mills resident’s house noticed that the American flag had come down during a storm and decided to take action.
He added: “Luckily, my wife had an amazon package on the front porch that he could set it right on top of the amazon package.”
Grandstaff, who was completely unaware of the whereabouts of the soldier, praised him, saying that the man wasn’t looking for any attention, nor was he aware of the presence of a camera, but instead just did what he considered right.
He also added that it might not seem like a big deal for many people that the soldier picked up the fallen flag. However, the Hope Mills house owner said, alluding to the soldier, “But, you know, everything that he sacrifices, you know, day in and day out, that’s just the ultimate sacrifice.”
Grandstaff, who moved from West Virginia to Hope Mills in 2016, said that living near Ft. Braggs has made him appreciate the service of the military and the flag a lot more. In a way to show gratitude to those who have been deployed, and to those soldiers in service, he flies the flag.
This particular flag was given to Grandstaff by his mother about half a year ago before the incident.
Those who have come across Grandstaff’s video on Facebook were equally moved by the respect the soldier showed the flag.
“This is so moving to me. Our generation was taught to respect the flag. Respect our military and respect our country. What has happened to us,” one social media user wrote. “My thanks to this soldier who honors our country. God bless this unknown soldier. This is what it’s all about.”
Meanwhile, another wrote: “[G]od bless this soldier and the act of patriotism he showed without even knowing he was being recorded.”
As for the flag, Grandstaff disposed of it properly.
Fort Bragg officials were able to confirm that the man worked for the Army. As for the identity of the soldier, one social media user posted on Facebook informing Grandstaff about him, writing, “[H]e likely lives right by you.”
