Informed

Walter’s son-in-law knew that the right thing to do would be to inform his officers about the flag. He immediately informed the US Marines about the flag. He had only told them what kind of messages were written on the flag and the officers could immediately make out the significance of the flag. 

Identity

The US Marine officers immediately planned a visit to Walter’s house. An officer explained to Walter that the flag belonged to a Lance Corporal. He knew that Lance Corporal was the rank given to a specific Marine Officer. But what were all those messages about? 

Fred

Each message written on the flag was addressed to one person named Fred. Walter had questions upon questions before he could land on any kind of conclusions. Why was the flag in a flea market? And why were messages addressed to Fred written on the flag? And who was Fred? And what was so important about the flag that Marine officers came in? 

The Words

One message read, “Hey CHEEKS, wherever you are, make sure you watch over us.” While another one said, “Fred, you were a good Marine and we will always remember you.” And that is when the officers made the final revelation. 

The Truth

The American flag was not a usual flag, Walter was sure of that. Turns out, it was a tribute flag for Fred. Each member of Fred’s unit wrote to the Marine officer after he lost his life while serving his country. And what happened next to the flag, was unbelievable. 

Decision

Walter Brown and his family decided that since they were the owners of the flag for now, they would return the flag to its rightful owner. Even though Fred was long gone, there would have been someone from his family that the Browns could search for.