Top of the Morning, Jan. 28, 2025
Jan. 28—The flag outside Weldon Termite & Pest Control — a longtime family business tucked away on South Country Fair Drive — is tiny but mighty.
It's flown in honor of Frank "Sam" Weldon, a U.S. Marine who served in World War II and survived the battle of Iwo Jima (). Cpl. Weldon died in 2022, at the age of 96.
"Our American flag not only honors my grandfather Sam, but it also honors all veterans in general who served or are serving in the military," said his grandson, Justin Weldon.
The business is January's recipient of Champaign American Legion Post 24's monthly award for proper display of the flag. Justin, his brother Adam and their father, Tom, were happy to add the plaque to what's becoming a Wall of Fame at work.
The flag "means the world to us," said Tom, who opened the business in 2006 and will celebrate his 70th birthday on Saturday. "Dad lived for that. All he talked about was everybody's freedom."
Said Chuck Zelinsky, who delivered the good news: "There was a tremendous amount of pride and smiles from the family as they shared with me how Sam always had a story to share with them or whoever was in earshot."
Have a flag display to nominate? Call Zelinsky at 217-356-5114 or email .
February's winner will be announced during Ann Rhoton's "Standard Time" program on WDWS 1400-AM/93.9-FM. Tune in at 7:15 a.m. Sunday.
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