Man snaps photo of postal worker’s action toward neighbor
Employing nearly 73,000 U.S. military veterans, the U.S. Postal Service serves as a stopping-off point for former military personnel members heading into retirement. So, it was no surprise when a Rochester, New York resident captured a special moment on camera of a local USPS worker’s patriotism.
Something caught Michael Lempert’s attention
It all took place as Michael Lempert was driving down the street in front of his home. As he drove by a USPS mail truck, something caught his eye. He noticed the postal worker standing outside the truck.
As he got out of his car outside of his home, which was right across the street from where the truck was parked, he spotted the driver facing his neighbor’s yard. But the postal worker wasn’t just standing there, it was what he was doing that made the moment so special.
A show of patriotism and respect
The postal worker was saluting the American flag, which Michael’s neighbor was raising on a flagpole in his yard. Thinking quickly, he grabbed his phone and took a photo of the special moment. He posted the photo to Facebook with a message:
“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.”
Then, once the flag was fully raised and the postal worker had completed his respects to the flag, Michael walked over to meet him.
“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.”
A military veteran
The postal worker, Robert Franklin, had served in the U.S. Army. A veteran, proper respect for the U.S. flag was something he held dear to his heart. It was then that Michael got Robert’s permission to post the photo he had taken on Facebook. Michael concluded his Facebook post with this:
“…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.”
Special recognition from the USPS
In addition to Michael and the people who saw his post on Facebook, the U.S. Postal Service also recognized Robert for his patriotism. They interviewed Robert and even included his picture of the patriotic postman beside his truck. Robert had this to say about the incident.
“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.”
Robert is a perfect example of a former military member continuing his respect and love for his country and flag long after leaving service.
Read Lempert’s original post below!
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https://www.facebook.com/michael.lempert.9/posts/10210078587495867