You never know when you’ll be in the right place, at the right time. Luckily, in a world of technology, it can be easy to snap a photo if you do come across something worth capturing.
New York resident, Michael Lempert, was driving down his street one day when a parked mail truck caught his eye. But it’s what the postal worker was up to that had him reaching for his camera.
He was headed towards his house at just the right moment.
Michael explained in a Facebook post that he spotted the USPS truck across the street from his home. While there’s nothing unusual about that – after Michael pulled up closer, he realized that the postal worker wasn’t inside of it. Instead, the guy was standing next to his vehicle facing the neighbor’s yard.
But it was for a very heartwarming reason.
The postal worker wasn’t just standing there sorting through the mail, or anything like that. He was respectfully saluting an American flag, which was being raised by Michael’s neighbor.
It was a touching moment of patriotism that Michael believed should be photographed. He wrote on Facebook:
“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 walked over to meet the postal employee once he finished his salute.
“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.”
You see, the postal worker, Robert Franklin, is a U.S. Army veteran. Flag etiquette is something that’s dear to his heart.
After getting Robert’s permission to share the powerful photo, Michael posted it on social media.
Michael concluded his post showing Robert gratitude and expressing his true feelings.
“…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.”
Facebook users have left comments like, “Take notes people. Incredible.” Someone else said, “That is very cool. I am proud of you for recognizing him.”
Another person, who has experience working for the U.S. postal service, thought that the post was “great,” and said that it “brings back a lot of memories.” He wrote on LinkedIn:
“The patriotism that flows with the USPS is unwavering as is the commitment to the sanctity of the mail aka commitment to all.”
Robert was recognized for his patriotic act in another way too.
In addition to warming hearts across the internet, the USPS employee news site, Link, also covered the story after it went viral. They interviewed Robert and included a photograph of the Rochester worker smiling by his truck.
Robert shared with Link that he didn’t know a neighbor was watching at the time (or had taken a photo). Overall, he was very appreciative of the positive feedback.
“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.”
This afternoon I was coming up my street and I noticed a stopped USPS truck across from my house. It wasn't until I was…
Posted by Michael Lempert onSunday, April 2, 2017
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