Bob Boots receives Certificate of Award (Ric Hanson photo)

A ceremony took place this (Wednesday) morning in the American Legion Memorial Building (AKA “The Armory”), in Atlantic, honoring a man for the work he’s done to restore American flags. Atlantic Rotarian and Military Veteran Bob Boots has collected more than 11,000 flags from the Atlantic Rotary Flag Drop Box since it was installed in front of the building in June, 2004.

During the ceremony, Jackie Beard, Regent Henry Knox Chapter of the DAR, presented Boots with a Certificate of award.

Bob Boots at work sewing an American Flag (Ric Hanson photo)

Boots knows how to sew flags from his years running an upholstery shop in town. He started his business after serving three years in the US Coast Guard, back in the 1950’s. The veteran flag repairman turned 88 at his last birthday. He was humble in his acceptance of the award.

The National Society for Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) encourages chapters to recognize people for the Proper Use, Correct Display, and Patriotic Presentation of The Flag of the United States of America.

Flag Room (ARISE photo)

A Flag Room (located in the remodeled former weapons vault) at the American Legion Memorial Building, is equipped with a sewing machine that Bob uses to repair worn flags. The flags that are too worn to repair are properly retired. Boots has repaired the flags that proudly at both the Atlantic Rock Island Depot and the American Legion Memorial Building.

Boots is the Vice President of ARISE [the Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise], which took control of The Armory years ago. Boots, along with ARISE President Steve Livengood are responsible for a majority of the work conducted inside the building to renovate the facility.

Jackie Beard (Center- left), Bob Boots and Members of the DAR.. (Ric Hanson photo)