In a sea of people on Clearwater Beach Memorial Day, one person stood out.
Chris Wauben, who is known as the American Flag Running Man, ran up and down the beach with his giant American flag.
"It’s about remembering the people who died, who served our country to give us our freedom to do this and be out here and have everything we have,” Wauben said.
Wauben earned his nickname a few years ago when he ran 13 miles down Miami Beach. He was dressed as Santa Claus and promoted breast cancer awareness in memory of his grandmother.
He traded in his Santa suit for his cowboy hat, honoring a long family line of military service and meeting other veterans along the way.
"I usually run for three and a half hours, but it’s more of a stop and go and I get to hear people’s stories and it’s just amazing interaction with people,” Wauben said.
Wauben stops for photo ops and to chat with his supporters.
Retired Marine Byron Gauthier said seeing Wauben run this Memorial Day really hammered home the true meaning of the holiday.
"A lot of people don’t understand, its barbecues and beach, this is what we do, but it has more of a meaning than that for me anyways,” Gauthier said.
Wauben said he also runs for military members who are currently serving and their family.