Williams’ father Bobby Hrncirik was an Army Sergeant E5 during the Vietnam War in Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Calvary, 1st Calvary Airmobile Division. When Hrncirik arrived home to Seymour, TX from war, he began presenting the flag at home football games, something he has continued to do for 50 years.

A few years back, when disposing of a tattered flag, Hrncirik thought that he could share a piece of that flag with others. He began cutting out the stars of flags that could no longer fly and bagged them up with a note that reads “I am part of an American flag that has flown over a home in the USA. I can no longer fly because the wind and rain have caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder of our freedom and that YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.”

Hrncirik hands them out at football games, to friends he meets in his travels, and now with the help of his daughter, to the students at Westwind Elementary.

“­­­­He started collecting all the flags he could that couldn’t be used anymore because they are tattered,” Williams said. “I think he started this in September and at this point he is always looking for flags.”

Willams said it was extremely important to her to be able to share the stars with the students and staff at Westwind.

“I will talk about Veterans Day in my class with my students, and I know other teachers will as well,” Williams said. “I am just so proud of him, and it is awesome to just be able to tell others about his service, and the service of all of the other men and women who have been a part of the military.”

With a smile on her face, Williams explained that she is inspired by the way her father has continued to serve those around him.

“I am in awe that he has been able to serve all these years, longer than I’ve even been alive,” Williams said. “It is just amazing the heart he has for others.”

Williams said that she expects her students to have questions about the starts and about her dad.

“They always have questions,” Williams said. “I am excited to be able to tell them about who he is and what he as done for our country. I am excited to share the importance of respecting the flag and spread his message of helping people remember our veterans.”