Ringgold volunteers react to Veteran’s Day Festival of Flags

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Volunteers raised more than 2,000 full-size flags along the streets of Ringgold. Those volunteers told News 12 what the Festival of Flags means to them. 

“I think it’s a great way to honor the people that have served us,” said Anna Gayler, student at Heritage High School 

“My dad was proud to be an American. He was proud of what the flag stood for. And if you look at these flags, there has been a lot of sacrifice, not just by the people who served, but families,” said Tina Johnson, health occupation teacher at Heritage High School.

Alongside those flags, crosses were placed in memory of deceased Catoosa County veterans.

“My Dad was a Vietnam vet. He died a year ago,” Johnson stated. 

“Being one of the students who put up Ms. Johnson’s father flag was really important to me because I have grown such a close connection to her. And coming closer with her family, even after he has passed, is really special to me,” Gayler said. 

Volunteers say this is their way to show support and appreciation to veterans.  

“It is an honor to do it,” said Chickamauga resident, Cheryll McGill. “I feel like it is a great honor to come over here and do this.” 

“Our students were able to put it up at city hall,” Johnson said. “The first year the flags go out at city hall, and I tell my kids it’s not about the flag itself but what it represents.”  

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