As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding in 2026, reminders of the country’s enduring spirit often appear in simple, everyday moments. In Alexander City, that reminder comes in the form of a waving American flag, a passing car horn, and a Vietnam veteran standing proudly along a busy roadway.

According to WSFA, 75-year-old Army veteran Richard Woodham — originally from Wetumpka — now lives at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, where he has created a small but meaningful roadside routine.

Every morning and afternoon along Elkahatchee Road, Woodham steps outside the veterans home carrying an American flag. Drivers passing by often respond the same way — with a quick honk of the horn — and Woodham answers with an enthusiastic wave.

The exchange lasts only seconds, but it has quietly become a small ritual of patriotism for motorists traveling through the area.

Woodham, who served in the Vietnam War, says the daily routine is his way of reminding people not to take their freedom for granted.

“You go to sleep at night and wake up free in the morning!” Woodham said.

There is no sign asking drivers to honk. According to Woodham, people simply do it anyway, and he answers the only way he knows how — by waving the American flag and sometimes shouting his own cheerful greeting.

“America USA!!”

WSFA reporter Rosie Langello shared a video on Facebook showing the daily exchange between Woodham and passing drivers outside the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home.

In a world where global conflicts and divisions often dominate the headlines and the hope of lasting world peace still feels distant, Woodham’s roadside routine reflects something else that continues to endure: the quiet pride many Americans — and many Alabamians — still carry for their country.

For Woodham, the routine is not just symbolic. At 75, he says waving the flag keeps him moving and helps him stay active.

“Well… I tried to build up my muscle,” he said.

But the Vietnam veteran says there is another reason he stands outside each day with the flag.

He says he waves it for the veterans who can’t anymore.

“When it gets to waving… it puts a little tonic in your body,” Woodham said.

If you happen to drive down Elkahatchee Road and see him standing with the flag, Woodham says he is only asking for one thing — a quick honk of the horn to remind him that America is still worth waving for.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].