Navy Vet's Personal Crusade To Honor American Flags

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by Kirk Hawkins, Photojournalist Terrence Walker

Story Created: Dec 7, 2012 at 10:45 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 8, 2012 at 1:01 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Mark Tarbox is on a mission. His objective? To defend the American flag. "That gives me my freedom. That's how I honor it," he said.

Tarbox makes his way around two counties. Stopping by fire stations, County, State, and Federal buildings. To make sure the flags are at half staff. "Pearl Harbor is a day that no man or woman should ever forget," Tarbox said.

The NAVY veteran served for 43 years during Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. "So easy to forget, so easy to get wrapped up in our self. It's not right, it's not right," Tarbox said.

Today he found multiple violations like this one at a business.  Even at his American Legion Post.
"Our flag is not flying at half mast today," he said.


Tarbox began this ritual four years ago. He does it at least ten times a year. Tarbox says its not about him, but, the men and women who didn't make it home. He hopes others will soon follow his lead with vigilance and respect. "I can battle myself but I can't win a war by myself. I need help.
And there's a war on the disgrace of our flag and what it stands for," Tarbox said.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is one of at least four days that flags are required to be at half staff. The President and the Governor can order additional days.

 

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