PORT NECHES — For the past six years, Summer’s Abbey Flooring has given away free American flags and lined both sides of an access road with large American flags for the days leading up to and on Independence Day.

This year is different.

On Monday, the Texas Department of Transportation received a call from a concerned citizen regarding safety. An employee of TxDOT went out and saw flags along the roadway and the median of FM 365 that were posted on the state right of way, which is prohibited. The business was asked to move the flags to their own property, Sarah Dupre with TxDOT said.

When the owners of the business posted the development to their Facebook page they received an outpouring of support.

A compromise of sorts was forged between TxDOT and the business right at the 24-hour time frame. Chris Johnson, owner of the business, agreed to remove the flags closest to the main lanes of FM 365, which carries the majority of the traffic. The remainder of the flags will be removed after the holiday.

“Going forward, we will collaborate with Mr. Johnson on any future displays that may be near the state right of way,” Dupre said in an email to The News.

Members of Bottoms Up Jeepers group, veterans and others came out to support the business Tuesday.

Jeeps were lined up and parked along the state right of way and beyond in between the large waving flags.

Oliver Marion of Vidor was angry when he heard that the flags would need to be removed, saying, “This is America and we have the right to fly the flag where we want and when we want.”

Marion, who said his father was a U.S. Marine who died as a result of Agent Orange, also disagrees with the idea the flags are a safety issue for drivers, saying it is impossible.

So what should happen to the flags?

“They should be left alone and the person with the problem should suck it up,” he said.

Grey Perry drove in from Westlake, Louisiana for the peaceful protest. He had a simple answer when asked why he was there.

“I’m a veteran. That’s all that needs to be said,” Perry, who said he served in the Navy veteran.

As the Jeepers arrived jeep by jeep so did the veterans. Ken Cavaretta of Port Arthur walked the access road carrying a large flag. He said he was there protecting the flag and protecting those who put the flags out.

“There’s almost always someone who doesn’t like the flag and they gripe about it and the government jumps on their reasons,” Cavaretta said. “Every person in this country has a right to fly this flag and were given the right by those who died. I love America and I’ll fight for it today again.”

Buddy Leonard, a Marine Corps veteran who said he served from 1966-1970, carried the Prisoner Of War flag.

“Love of country is what brought me out. It’s the reason I joined and put my life on the line,” Leonard said.

Michael Campise, a member of Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group, which does full military funerals for veterans, arrived in uniform after “burying a fellow brother.” He said he was there to support those who support the veterans.

Campise is retired from TxDOT and understands the agency’s actions to an extent.

“Before they mess with these flags they need to get the signs off the side of the roads and sides of the highway,” Campise said, adding that he plans to make a formal complaint.

Johnson arrived shortly after noon where he thanked those in attendance for their support and that he understands the issue.

His daughter, Summer Burch, said they were overwhelmed by the support and had no idea that people would show up.

“It’s crazy but it’s heartwarming,” Burch said. “You hear so much negative news and publicity it’s actually good to hear people standup for the flag.”