A state senator’s call to give back to local veterans was recognized by Elizabethton officials Friday morning.

Representatives from the City of Elizabethton and the Elizabethton-Carter County Veterans Walk of Honor Oversight Committee welcomed State Sen. Rusty Crowe downtown for his regular presentation of flags for the memorial. It’s been a regular tradition for the senator, but this year included a proclamation presented by City Mayor Curt Alexander to thank Crowe for his service to the community.

It’s a welcomed sight when new flags come in, according to Oversight Committee Chairman Bill Carter, who also serves as Elizabethton mayor pro-tem. Carter mentioned the project for the memorial finished in 2002 and that Crowe has been a regular supporter of the project.

“This project was finished in 2002 and he’s furnished us flags since then, two times a year,” Carter said. “We have to chain them out because the summer and winter seasons usually beat them up. He’s always supplied these flags for us. It’s been such a great help to the oversight committee.”

Carter was also quick to commend the efforts of Deacon Bowers, who helps organize the distribution of flags each year with Crowe. Bowers served on the original committee that helped spearhead the project. Crowe also served on the original committee.

The Walk of Honor and Veterans Memorial on the opposite side of downtown serve as reminders to the public of the local veterans from the area. Carter said the support of the monuments means a lot to the city, especially with the feedback they receive from the public.

“This reflects a great image on our city,” Carter said about the Walk of Honor. “I had the store over there in front of this and it was amazing to look out the window and see people go through and see the monument. They have the chance to look through and see the veterans that gave their time and lives for our freedom. This and the memorial across the road are special places that speak well of the community.”

To show their support of Crowe’s efforts, the city issued a proclamation during the presentation of the flags.

“The Elizabethton City Council, and citizens of Elizabethton and Carter County, would like to express their deepest appreciation to Senator Rusty Crowe for furnishing the flags for the military branches of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, POW/MIA, and the American flag for the Veterans Walk of Honor and further furnishing the American and POW/MIA flag for the Veterans War Memorial,” a portion of the proclamation read.

“This is such a vital part of the city and we wanted to recognize him,” Carter added.