There is perhaps nothing more symbolic of courage, freedom, and faith than the iconic American flag.
That is why it can be deeply is upsetting to witness someone mistreat or flat-out abuse our flag. It's a slap in the face to those who have sacrificed everything to protect it.
Fortunately, there are many heroic souls among us who strive to protect and uphold our flag.
When Jake Gridley — a truck driver of Baytown, TX — spotted a lost American flag while he was on the highway, he didn't hesitate to turn his truck around and to run and retrieve the flag.
Then, he decided to do something extremely touching, and his heroic deed has since gone viral. Since posting about his experience on Facebook, his story has been shared over 100,000 times.
Scroll down to read about Jake's profound experience, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Truck driver Jake Gridley recently encountered something so startling that it stopped him dead in his tracks.
While driving on the Interstate 80 just outside of Omaha, NE, he spotted something obscure lying on the side of the highway.
He saw something that shone a vibrant red, white, and blue: a lost, crumpled, abandoned American flag.
Here, Jake tells his story, and reflects on the larger meaning of what he experienced.
“Today I was driving west on I-80. When just west of Omaha about mm 445 I seen this American flag on the side of the interstate, sitting in the grass all balled up like a piece of trash with everyone just passing it by.
To me it was like a man down, and you don’t leave a man behind.
I quickly turned this truck around and it became a search and rescue.”
“I was gonna rescue that flag from the disrespect of laying on the ground.
Because what I seen was a representation of our country, the men and women who sacrificed their lives past, present, and future to protect it and ensure we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“When I finally got the flag I instantly thought of my wife, kids, and grandkids, and all the opportunities we’ve had, the choices we’ve made, good or bad, but we had the freedom to choose our own adventure.”
“I’m not rich, far from it, but it is what it is and I am… because I am an American.
If you like this, share it. Maybe we’ll find the story behind the flag in the grass in Omaha, NE.”
Please SHARE if you think our flag deserves our respect!
