Flagman bringing his flags to the nation's Capital

CHAMPAIGN -- A man used to honoring others has the favor returned. Larry Eckhardt is known as the Flagman. That's because he puts up more than 2,000 flags during military funerals, welcome homes and Honor Flights. It's something he's been doing for the past seven years. 

Now he, his family and all his flags are headed to our nation's Capital. They will line Constitution Avenue for Pearl Harbor day, but not before he gets a proper sendoff. 

"This is gonna be a great trip. To me it's an unbelievable honor," said Eckhardt. The National Honor Flight's Association asked him to go. 

"The main thing is we're still going to be honoring the World War II soldiers and that's what makes the trip worthwhile," said Eckhardt.  

"There's nothing that makes you feel more patriotism then driving through that, in essence, tunnel of flags," said Bill Jones. He's a ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. They're making sure the Flagman gets to Washington D.C. in style. 

"We want to honor him, as a member of the Illinois Patriot Guard, for what he does and the contributions he makes," said Jones.   

He and the Patriot Guard Riders plan to meet Eckhardt in Farmer City and escort him to the Indiana border. 

"It's unreal. Those guys are just super. They are just fantastic. You can't find a nicer bunch of people," said Eckhardt. 

This is his first trip to Washington D.C. He's going with his two daughters and grand-kids.

If you want to help send him off, you can meet up with the Patriot Guard Riders in Farmer City at 10:00 am Wednesday. They'll be riding through Champaign around 10:30 am.

You can contact the Patriot Guard at jtbeck21@yahoo.com or lst1170@live.com.