Honoring Service, One Flag at a Time
As dawn breaks over Nevada on Veterans Day, 87 year-old Veteran Ben Reed, will venture out with two other men to plant 200 American Flags along a Nevada road.
For almost a decade, Reed has returned to this two-mile stretch of road at first light to plant flags, a tribute to fellow service members and a call for remembrance on Veterans Day. Reed served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959 in Korea, a history that fills his heart with both pride and the weight of memories. Every year, he returns to the state road outside of Lamoille, hoping that each flag will serve as more than a decoration to those passing by. Reed wants them to be a symbol of sacrifice and service,
"When people see these flags, I hope they think about what the flag means and I hope they think about the Veterans,” said Reed.
Over the years, his flags have become a local landmark. Drivers slow down to take in the sight, and many stop to share their thanks, some even getting out to make small donations to help keep the tradition going.
“If I need to buy the flags myself, I will, but the donations are great because they help me along and I don’t have to pay out of pocket to for every flag,” Reed said.
Despite the physical toll and the time it takes to set up 200 flags, Reed’s commitment remains steadfast.
"It’s something I’m going to do for the rest of my life.”
This display is not just a tradition—it’s a message to the world about honoring service and sacrifice.
"On Veterans Day, I want people to talk about the flag and the Veterans. I want people to be thankful for what we have in this country.”
Reed’s flags may only be a temporary display, but he hopes the reminder they offer will linger.
This Veterans Day, Ben Reed invites you to find your own way to honor those who have served. Whether it’s by attending a local event, supporting a Veterans organization, or simply taking a moment to honor those who have served our nation, his flags are a reminder that each act of appreciation counts.