Patriotism is still alive and well in many corners of the country, despite the efforts of some to squash such acts.
Two young men from North Carolina have received quite a bit of attention after they stopped to honor our nation’s flag.
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A photo of the two boys — cousins Derrick Tyrone Ingram Jr. and Thomas Edwards Jones Jr., according to Charlotte Observer — was posted on Roseboro Fire Department’s Facebook page.
“This afternoon as Chaplain Herring was raising the U.S. flag to full staff,” the department wrote, “he looked over to the intersection and saw these two young people standing there with hands on their heart saying the pledge of allegiance. Permission was granted to use this picture that was hurriedly taken. God bless our community.”
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The photo has since been shared over 6,000 times as of Tuesday morning. Many commenters have commended the boys for their act of respect.
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“Thank you to the one that taught them (to) respect of our flag,” one person wrote. “God Bless America and God Bless these young Americans,” another added.
The boys’ mom and aunt, Journey Pearson, couldn’t be prouder of her son and nephew. When she found out the boys would be honored at the Town 0f Roseboro, she shared her gratitude on Facebook.
“Of course big thanks always goes to the Man Up Above,” she wrote. “Now if we can just get Ellen to recognize them.”
Pearson told reporters she thought something was wrong since the photo was up on the fire department’s page.
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But she quickly realized that wasn’t the case at all. In an interview with WNCN, Pearson shared the principles she’s taught the boys to live by.
“Always be respectful,” she said. “No matter what people tell them or what people try to throw into their heads, always respect your flag, and do what you do at school.”
The boys shared their hearts as well, saying that they wanted to “celebrate freedom.” Could there be anything sweeter than that?
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This one act gives us faith that there are still children being taught to look at our U.S. banner with awe and reverence.
We have no doubt these boys will grow up to be fine young gentlemen if they keep going this way.
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