September 11st brings back a lot of emotion for most Americans.
It's also a time for many to show their patriotism.
A US Army Veteran in St. Joseph County is not only doing that, but he's making others smile on a day that can be tough for a lot of people.
"Just trying to cheer people up," says Pete Ostapchuk as he waves, holding an American flag on the Beech Road overpass above US 20.
Pete's been doing the same thing on September 11th, for ten years.
"I thought, 'I'll go down and buy a flag and I was just starting to unroll it and traffic was clear down on the curb and they were already honking and flashing their lights," says Pete.
Pete is a veteran and served with the Army as a radar operator in Germany in the 60's.
His mother was born in America but grew up in the Ukraine where she lived under Stalin's rule.
He says that makes him appreciate his American freedom even more.
"She always wanted to come back to America, I mean, who wouldn't?" asks Pete. He adds, "They don't put up fences to keep people in."
And Michiana drivers appreciate Pete, honking non-stop as he waves.
"One guy got out in his army uniform, stopped there along the center, got out, saluted the flag, got in and drove off."
That's why Pete says he'll keep coming back on this significant anniversary year after year.
"Hey, I mean, as long as they enjoy it, seeing the flag out here in the middle of nowhere, out in God's Country basically," says Pete.
