A flag, thousands of miles and a thank you that never ends
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Jim Keown never served in the military, but he’s found his own way to honor those who did.
Through his organization, Flags for Vets, Keown carries American flags through Bowling Green, walking hundreds of miles before eventually presenting them to local veterans as a way to recognize their service.
What began in 2020 as a way to bring inspiration to the community during the coronavirus pandemic has grown into a personal mission. Keown now walks with an American flag 13 out of every 14 days.
“I never thought that I would be doing it on a daily basis,” Keown said. “Out of a 14 day period, I’m doing it 13 days.”
But the miles aren’t what matter most. It’s the people who receive the flags.
Keown’s first presentation was to his friend Johnny Russell, a Vietnam veteran he met through his workplace. Russell was going through a difficult time, and Keown hoped the flag might lift his spirits.
“I wanted Johnny to have it,” Keown said. “He was going through what he was going through, and I felt like it would really lift his spirits, to receive that and help him through what he was going through.”
Russell has since passed away, but the connection made through that first flag continues. Keown says he still stays in touch with Russell’s wife and family.
Another presentation left a lasting impression. A coworker arranged for Keown to surprise her grandfather, also a Vietnam veteran, with a flag. The man became emotional when he learned why Keown wanted to honor him.
“He immediately, he teared up,” Keown said. “And he was like, you know, people really don’t do this.”
Seeing the veteran’s reaction made the miles worthwhile.
“The tears and then the smile and all that, that made me feel like what I was doing served a really great purpose,” Keown said.
For Keown, every flag is a reminder that veterans deserve to know their service is appreciated.
“This is not just a thing for me,” he said. “It’s a passion. It’s a cause that I truly believe in, that our veterans need to be appreciated more than they are.”
He especially encourages people to recognize Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive a warm welcome when they returned home.
“If you see one out, I encourage people to make sure you say welcome home,” Keown said. “Thank them for their service.”
And while Veterans Day offers a chance to recognize those who served, Keown believes that appreciation should never be limited to one day.
“You should remember. Honor them every single day.”
