Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 5, 1990 TAG: 9007050122
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Wednesday morning, Sugarloaf Estates in Southwest Roanoke County woke up surprised and proud.
During the night, a mystery patriot had planted tiny American flags on front lawns all along the street.
"It said to me, `I love America,' " Hanslik said. "It made the Fourth of July seem like what it really is."
Wednesday, each family along the street celebrated the holiday in its chosen way. Some gathered on lawns with small children, and others sat inside in air conditioning seeking relief from the heat.
Richard Jones painted the front window of his house, while reflecting on the message that the flag bearer had sown.
"At least somebody respects it and isn't going around and burning it," he said.
Jack Farris was more whimsical.
"It was the flag fairy, I guess," he said. "It was a patriotic soul. I know that."
Ralph Dean, a World War II veteran, was simply happy that someone remembered the flag on the holiday.
"It must have been somebody who wanted everyone to have a flag. I think it is something."
Dean's wife had spotted the flag bearer Tuesday night, but she could not identify him.
Among her neighbors, only Karl Ford knew the answer.
Ford was among 30 agents from a realty company who placed more than 5,000 flags in several neighborhoods around the Roanoke Valley about midnight Tuesday.
"We felt like we wanted to give to the community without getting something in return," he said.
Regardless, Farris said, the flags could make a lasting impression on the community.
"I guess we'll save it and put it out next year."
by CNB