In remembrance: Saline County man honors veteranss with mobile flag display

SALINE COUNTY - The increase in the number and severity of COVID-19 cases resulted in many Veterans Day ceremonies being canceled or postponed, but one Saline County man wanted to do something to pay his respects to service members past and present.

After he finished work for the day, Casey Perkins of Harrisburg hitched a flatbed trailer with a gigantic representation of U.S. flag, hooked up lights to illuminate it and embarked on a patriot parade throughout the county. A POW/MIA flag also was attached to the display.

Perkins was joined by Gil Rodriguez in taking the flag on a tour of the county.

As he entered the south side of Harrisburg city limits, horns of passing cars and trucks began honking in support, as they did while he parked the flag for a time at Parker Plaza in Harrisburg.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek wheeled into the parking lot in his truck to thank Perkins for his patriotism.

"This is great," McPeek said.

Perkins, who was elected to the Saline County Board on Nov. 3, said as he traveled through Harrisburg, Eldorado, Galatia and Carrier Mills people came out and stood in their yards while he drove by.

"It was a great response. People loved it," he said. "I'd honk my horn and people would come out and stand and wave or salute. I think a lot of folks enjoyed it."

Perkins said he undertook his flag tour as a way to honor his father and other veterans.

"My dad is a Vietnam vet, and this one way to say thank you to all the vets," Perkins said.