When it came time to replace the flag flying over Chick-fil-A for the past two years, restaurant events coordinator Camille Myrick-Laureano made the occasion a family affair.

On Thursday, her grandfather W.T. Myrick, an Air Force veteran, lowered the frayed American flag that had weathered rain, snow, and heavy winds. He then raised a new flag at the restaurant off Premier Boulevard.

“This has been something that’s been on my heart for a while,” Camille said. “I do have military service in my family — my grandfather, my brother, and my father who is also a retired veteran. When you retire a flag, you take pride in it and it needs to be done right.”

She said the ceremony was also because of the values her family instilled in her. “I’ve been raised very well by two loving grandparents and a mother who brought me up on good values. I’ve also had guidance from Mr. Vernon Bryant throughout 4-H and the American Legion as I’ve been growing up.”

She is proud of the military service within her family. “It’s been a blessing to have and it’s been a great success to have these generations continue on. It’s very near and dear to my heart. It’s something that I have a lot of love for.”

Her grandfather was honored that she chose him to lower the old flag and raise the new one. “It’s very important to me because she shows interest in America. When she goes into something, she wants to do it right.”

Ray Harvey, the first vice commander of American Legion Post 38 in Roanoke Rapids, attended the ceremony and helped W.T. properly fold the old flag after it had been lowered. “It’s always great when you see young folks understand Americanism and what it really means, and to understand that life was given and taken for us to have this freedom that we have in this country.”

Chick-fil-A Manager Josh Whitlow watched the ceremony. “It’s absolutely great,” he said. “Camille and I talked about it and brought it to everyone's attention that the flag was not in great shape.”

With the flag properly folded, Camille told the small audience, “While this flag has reached the end of its service, the values it represents remain as strong as ever. It’s our privilege to retire it with the dignity and respect it deserves.”

Recognizing her grandfather, she said, “His service to our country reflects the very principles this flag represents.”