Bucks County veteran determined to make sure heroes are never forgotten
SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. (CBS) -- A Vietnam War veteran in Bucks County is determined to make sure those who gave their lives for our country are never forgotten.
Jerry Sisian, 76, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. In 1967, he was in Vietnam where he was injured. He served until 1968.
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Sisian says it was back in July 2020, when the country was in the midst of COVID-19 shutdowns and national civil unrest, that he felt compelled to once again answer the call to help his country.
Sisian tells CBS News Philadelphia, "I saw this flag on the back of the house. I grabbed the flag, grabbed this chair and I said I want to go and sit in front of this Veterans' memorial."
Ever since and weather permitting, Sisian has made it his mission to wave the stars and stripes at the intersection of 2nd Street Pike and Street Road in Southampton. He does so in front of a memorial dedicated to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
"We should always remember them and honor them. No matter where you are, just remember that and never forget it," says Sisian.
Sisian also says his message is one of patriotism, rather than politics. And judging by the sound of it, this soldier is doing something right.
"You get a lot of horns blowing, a lot of thank yous," Sisian notes, "and the cutest thing is when you get little kids in the back seats of the SUVs and they're waving out the window and they wave and I wave back to them, it's really cute."
For now, Sisian plans to keep flying his flag for as long as he can.
"I didn't know I would be here this long," Sisian says, "but I think the lord helps me."
He's also hoping his efforts inspire others to share the spirit of gratitude.
"It's started with Vietnam veterans by saying 'welcome home,' but now you can apply that to all veterans. Say, 'welcome home and thank you for your service.' It will touch them right in their heart," concludes Sisian.