We all have witnessed how powerful technology is. In one tap, anyone could go viral. The good thing is most of the stories that are making rounds online are inspiring ones.
Michael Lempert added another inspiring story online. It all started when he bumped into something worth capturing one day.
It’s a USPS truck across the street from his home.
More than the truck, what really caught his attention was the postal worker who happened to be outside the truck.
“This afternoon I was coming up my street and I noticed a stopped USPS truck across from my house.”
The postal worker was not talking to anyone neither sorting the mail.
What he was doing at that moment was something touching.
It was also the reason why Michael excitedly took a snap of that moment. He also shared it on his Facebook account that has garnered more than 600 shares.
He was looking at a patriotic man.
The guy was standing next to the truck. It turns out that one of Michael’s neighbors was raising a flag. And there was the postal worker humbly saluting it. Little did he know that someone was watching him.
“It wasn’t until I was at my driveway that I realized the USPS driver was not in the truck, but rather standing at attention next to it, saluting the flag my neighbor was raising. I stopped right there and grabbed my camera off the seat next to me, took off my hat, and captured the moment,” Michael added on his post.
Meet Robert Franklin.
He is the guy in the viral photo. According to Michael, he had the chance to talk to him and introduce himself. He also made sure to ask permission from Robert before sharing the photo online.
“I then waited until the flag was fully raised before I walked over to introduce myself, asked him for his permission to share this moment, and thanked him for his service.”
Robert is a U.S. Army veteran and what he has shown is a flag etiquette. Until now, he still practices it wholeheartedly even when no one is looking.
What he did is part of the rules for saluting the US flag.
On Military.com, it says: “During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in review, all persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute.”
It’s great that Michael shared the photo on social media. It also reminded us of how important flag etiquette is. No wonder why he was so happy upon meeting Robert.
“But again, many thanks to retired U.S. Army sergeant Robert Franklin, who is still serving his country, rain sleet or snow. He is the manifestation of true patriotism, and I am proud to have met him.”
Aside from Michael, many people were all praises for Robert.
“Let’s make this viral the country needs more positivity like this,” one commenter said.
As for Robert, he wants to raise awareness of flag etiquette.
“I hope it encourages other postal employees to participate and share flag etiquette. It’s a way to show as an arm of the federal government, we are the stewards of these customs and courtesies,” he said in an interview with Link.
Hopefully, many of us would be able to learn from Robert’s actions. Always do the right thing even when no one is watching.
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