Where State Road 544 crosses Spencer Shores Drive, freedom grows from the ground up.

"We have an incredible custodian who had this idea and that was to put flags on our front lawn," said Jeff Winter, the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church Haines City. "And I went: Yeah, right."

Under the steeple of the First Presbyterian Church, find them row by row, perfectly aligned, blowing in the wind.

"It's here to honor veterans that gave so much," creator Don Cruley said.

Cruley borrowed an idea from Pennsylvania. What started with one American flag has grown.

"This man and his wife did something incredible," Winter said of Cruley.

Cruley and his wife created the "Sea of Flags" to thank America's veterans. There are about 1,200 flags, many with a name, and most are dedicated to a solder. Now in its second year, Cruley ran out of room.

He annexed the exhibit across the street at a blueberry farm. Across from the church, you'll find 50 state flags.

Besides honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Sea of Flags is helping veterans once again let their spirits soar. Donations will send veterans to Washington, D.C. Polk County's "Flight to Honor" allows veterans to fly to the nation's capital for the day to see war memorials.

"We left before dawn and came back after dark," said Paula Rose, a volunteer escort. "It just touches your heart."

"We'll have more next year," Cruley said.

NOTE: The Sea Of Flags is so popular, the church has decided to continue the display through Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged.

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