Great American Flag Exchange sees big turnout in Carthage

CARTHAGE, Mo. — A Carthage business is paying respect to our nation's flag.

Carthage Hardware hosted their Great American Flag Exchange – during their business hours on Saturday.

It provides those with old, worn American flags a chance to properly retire it.

In return – the store gives you a brand new free 3×5 American flag.

Store owner Eddie Grundy says they saw a big turnout of people during the day – and unfortunately ran out of the 3×5 flags.

He's owned Carthage Hardware for the last four years – although the store has been open since the early 1860s.

In that time, he says it's becoming a point to do this exchange around Independence Day and Veteran's Day, each year.

"No matter what side of the political scale you're on, it's always necessary to honor the homeland and honor those who have fought and served and what the flag stands for, our freedom, and right here on Independence Day, that's what we celebrate," said Eddie Grundy, Carthage Hardware owner.

Grundy says they're already planning to do the exchange again, closer to Veteran's Day.

He says they're always happy to properly retire an American flag – anytime they're open.