George Berent doesn't take the American flag for granted.

"I like to have flags on every house, in the area where I'm living in any house in America," Berent said.

  • Flagler couple installed American flags throughout neighborhoods
  • Volunteers helped install the 11,000 flags
  • Couple says flags increase patriotism, voter participation

The 78-year-old Poland native once lived under Communism. He was there during his country's invasion in World War II.

"Killing people, innocent people. If you just open your mouth and say, 'I don't like it,' you're dead," Berent said.

That's why he was inspired to help Nickie and Larry White's American Flag Project.

The Flagler County couple walked through neighborhoods in the county and City of Palm Coast, to accomplish their goal of handing out and displaying American flags throughout the area.

The Whites said about 11,000 flags were given out, and more than $1,000 were collected for the project, either through donations or from their very own pockets.

Berent was one of several who helped with the project. On one Palm Coast street alone, 76 flags could be seen flying high on mailboxes.

"The more we can keep them (displayed), the more we'll keep people focused on what this country is all about," Nickie White said.

The American Flag Project is a national mission, too.

"I read research that says exposure to the American flag increase patriotism and voter participation. I'm just proud. I love it when the wind blows. I see the flags, and it brings tears to my eyes," White said.

Berent said he's lucky and very thankful to fly America's colors and share a lifetime bond.

"It's beautiful. It's meant something to me for 50 years. It means freedom for eternity and everything in the world," he said.