LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC (WIS) -
An American flag was stolen from a veteran's Lexington County home on Independence Day.
While he was heartbroken, the 83-year-old World War II veteran got a surprise from a very unexpected place.
Don Petersen takes no greater pride than to see his American flag flying in his front yard.
"Anytime you see that flag," Petersen said. "It ought to astound you. Just think of all the people who lost their lives for a simple cloth with red stripes and stars and a blue background. It's outstanding."
On Wednesday, July 4th his patriotic symbol, with only 48 stars on it was stolen.
"I was obviously upset, more than upset," Petersen said.
So Mr. Petersen called 9-1-1.
"She informed me it wasn't an emergency and that I needed to contact the sheriff's department," Petersen said.
Lexington County Sheriff's deputies showed up, wrote a report and left with something heavy on their hearts.
"We felt that, especially on the Fourth of July, a veteran without a flag was a crime within itself," said Deputy Scott Purdy. "So, we may not have been able to give him back his flag but at least he was with a flag that day."
So the whole squad pitched in to buy Mr. Petersen a new flag.
"It felt like he was vindicated like he didn't have to worry about not having a flag on the 4th of July, being a veteran. I think it summed up the whole holiday in a sense," said Deputy Eddie Richardson.
"It was a small token of gratitude for the service that he did and it was kind of a way to right a wrong for the holiday," Purdy added.
"It was our honor to give it to him and shake his hand and say thank you for your service," said Sgt. Brad White.
Mr. Petersen served as a medic for seven years. So to him, it's not just a piece of cloth.
He says the flag brings his good buddies who died, back to life for a little while just for him.
"It moves me because I lost my buddies so that's why I carry it with me all my life," Petersen said.
So with pride a new flag hangs in place.
"It sets me at ease and settles me down," Petersen said. "It means a lot, I have a flag up there. It will be out there until the day I die and maybe after."
Mr. Petersen is very appreciative and grateful to the deputies who didn't have to replace his flag. It was emotional for all the deputies and the veteran.
The deputies are trying to arrange to have Mr. Petersen go on an Honor Flight in the fall.
Peterson, who says he served as a medic from 1944-1953, says he lied about his age to enter the armed forces as a "conscientious objector."
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