(La Porte, IN) - It’s "Jim Roy Day" today in the City of La Porte.

 

For 24 years, the La Porte man has been purchasing all of the flags and hardware used by the city to fasten them to the poles leading up to the Fourth of July.

 

Inspired by the terrorist attacks at home in September of 2001, Roy became involved when the La Porte Jaycees no longer could afford the cost of the flags that usually go up by Memorial Day.

 

The city council last night passed a proclamation declaring today as Jim Roy Day.  Roy said the number of flags he has purchased now stands at 780.

 

“Every year those flags are replaced,” he said.

 

He said the annual cost of the flags and hardware is around $10,000 to $12,000 but he’s willing to pay the price to show support for the nation and freedoms veterans like his father helped achieve and defend.

 

Mayor Tom Dermody said he felt the public, especially in a city like La Porte that supports veterans,  should know who’s responsible for carrying on the long tradition.

 

“This should not go unnoticed,” he said.