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American Legion Riders Chapter 79 installs first U.S. flags through its Free Flags for Vets program.

While online, Indiana Legionnaire Bob Atnip read an article about a nonprofit in Minnesota, Free Flags for Vets, that provides free U.S. flags for veterans and current servicemembers.

Atnip said he thought it would be cool to start something similar at American Legion Riders Chapter 79 in Zionsville, where he is the director. And that’s what he did.

Chapter 79’s Free Flags for Vets installed its first U.S. flag in late May at the home of U.S. Navy veteran Pam Anderson. It’s the first of what Atnip hopes becomes a monthly ritual for the chapter’s Riders. It’s also an opportunity for Riders who cannot take part in longer rides to still give back to others.

“We have these long charity rides – that’s the staple of the Riders,” Atnip said. “Doing this, it’s a high-impact community service project that any Rider can participate in, regardless of age or physical condition. We’ve got some that can’t ride very far and go on those long rides.

“I’m trying to get this started, and I hope to be doing at least one (flag installation) a month. And to me, this program should get out to every post in the nation.”

Atnip said after learning about the Minnesota program, he took the idea to his fellow Riders at Chapter 79, who were 100 percent behind the concept. “If you drive around, you just don’t see too many flags any more,” Atnip said. “I thought that I’d bring it to the (chapter) and see what they think. Everybody thought it was a great idea.”

He then began printing out flyers and solicitating donations, with a goal of raising $1,500 and installing five flags by Veterans Day. Using the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce website, he began emailing local businesses to ask for their support.

It’s worked. He’s already raised $1,600, with two more checks totaling around $300 waiting to be deposited. Now it’s a matter of more veterans applying to have a flag installed. He’s also shared his flyers with other Riders chapters in the area.

“The biggest thing is getting people to find out about the program and getting applications to them,” Atnip said. “It’s just getting information about the program out to people.”

Atnip said that Anderson “was ecstatic” after her new flag was installed. “And now, people will drive by her house and see that flag,” he said. “That gives us more visibility and instills patriotism.”

“91Ӱ���ƽ�� Riders are incredibly proud to roll up our sleeves, get out into the community and personally handle these installations for our local heroes. Seeing Old Glory flying at a veteran's home is exactly why we do what we do.”

American Legion posts and Riders chapters interested in starting a similar program can email Bob Atnip for more information at bob.atnip@outlook.com.