Despite being in a wheelchair, a 97-year-old Lakeland World War II veteran still puts up his American flag every day, a ritual he started half a century ago.
- WWII vet continues daily flag-raising at 97 years old
- Bill Peck was a motorcycle mechanic in the Army
- Peck raises flag every day to honor those who served
- See our Veterans Day coverage here
Bill Peck lives on College Avenue, and he started the daily flag-raising about 50 years ago.
Peck was a motorcycle mechanic for the Army mostly in North Africa during the war. He wasn't on the front lines with weapons, but he thinks his job was essential for those who were.
“My job was just as important as their job was, because if it hadn’t been for somebody like me, they couldn’t have done anything,” Peck said.
Peck puts up the flag to honor those who served and because he is proud of his country. He said he traveled to 11 countries during the war, and even though it's not perfect, the United States is still his favorite.
"Oh yeah. That’s right," he said.
Sara Penny has lived across the street from Peck for 20 years.
"Bill’s a great neighbor," she said.
Penny said Peck has always looked out for the neighborhood to keep things safe.
“He knows who should and shouldn’t be in the neighborhood. He’ll let you know when anything’s wrong.”
Penny said seeing Peck's flag up every day was a source of comfort and inspiration.
"I’m happy to know I have a great neighbor like Bill. And it makes me proud."