(La Porte, IN) - Jim Roy has provided the flags In La Porte's downtown area this time of year for more than two decades.

 

Roy was thanked and then called up to say a few words by Mayor Tom Dermody during this week's La Porte City Council meeting. He then had his picture taken with Dermody, members of the city council, and other city officials.

 

"I do this to make everybody feel good. When you drive down the road, and if you don't feel good, then that's your problem. That's why I do it," Roy said.

Roy buys all the flags and hardware to hang them on light poles. The city installs the flags before the Fourth of July. He started doing it in response to the terrorist attacks on the nation in 2001.

 

One year, Roy spent $7,500 for 700 nylon flags along with poles and other hardware like brackets needed to hang them on light posts on both sides of the streets. But, he said he's willing to pay the price to show support for the nation and the freedoms veterans like his father helped achieve and defend.

 

Roy is the owner of The Floor Store on Boyd Boulevard. He once was given the keys to the city for his patriotic efforts.