A local Fourth of July tradition continues. Just days before the community celebrates the anniversary of the nation’s independence, Silvia Madriaga, a real estate agent at ResortQuest Real Estate, and her band of flaggers hit the streets placing more than 800 flags in front of homes in both Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

Every year for 20 years, Silvia Madriaga has placed her flags with note cards saying “Happy Birthday America!” in front of mailboxes in neighborhoods throughout the area. Homeowners have come to expect this, and enjoy the keepsakes year after year, adding them to the display. Flags line the streets, bringing a sense of community to the area.

Madriaga said, “We go walking with stacks of flags in our arms. We get cheers and waves from passersby. We look forward to putting the flags out and people look forward to seeing them. The flags instill a sense of patriotism around town! It’s a little hot out but worth the work.

It’s heartwarming to know that patriotism is alive and well in our area!

“We enjoy it every year!” Madriaga says.

Flaggers this year include: Marcelo Madriaga, Bix Blazer, Antoine Ascanio, Dave Denison and Silvia Madriaga.

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