Marshall resident Tom Hill said he gives out hundreds of free American flags a few times a year, including around Independence Day. He also has pamphlets of information on flag etiquette that he has given out.

MARSHALL — A few times a year – like in the days leading up to July 4 – Tom Hill wheels a cart loaded with small American flags out to the end of his driveway. The flags are free for people to take, Hill said.

“I don’t know whatever got me to do it. I just started,” Hill said. “It makes me feel good.”

Tom and his wife Fran Hill said patriotism has been something that’s important to them. Tom, 88, is an Army veteran, and Fran also grew up in a military family.

“Patriotism is something that seemed to be fading. Now there’s a resurgence, I believe,” Fran Hill said.

Tom Hill has given away American flags for the past five years. He says he started by offering free flags outside his home in the Westwood Acres neighborhood of Marshall around holidays like Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

“Memorial Day is when most of them go,” he said.

He’s also given flags to area businesses, and presented flags to students at St. Edward School in Minneota, he said.

Each year, he said, “I usually give away 250 to 300 flags.” He buys them from Martin’s Flag Company, in Iowa. “They’re nice quality,” he said.

Hill said neighborhood children have gotten free flags, along with information on flag etiquette. “I gave them pamphlets on how to display the flag,” he said. The Hills said they have also seen the flags being displayed at homes in Westwood Acres, and they’ve even given some to mail carriers and sanitation workers in the neighborhood.

“Cars going by will slow down and pick up flags,” Fran Hill said. “You see them all over the neighborhood here. We do see them around town.”

Tom Hill said people have often said thanks after receiving a free flag. One memorable time, a group of girls took flags and brought them home. “They came back with two roses and a thank-you note,” he said.

Tom said he didn’t really have a political reason for handing out the flags. “I just do it because I want to,” he said. However, he said he does believe in showing respect for the U.S. flag.