Members of the KCII staff presented a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on the 4th of July to an area World War II veteran after capturing a special moment.

News Director Sally Hart won first place in the annual flag photo contest put on by Farm Bureau Financial Services. The photo shows veteran Mike Orris presenting the flag at Memorial Day Services at Washington High School.

Hart says she knew this was a special moment, even before taking the photo, “Sometimes when you’re taking photos, you just see it before you take the photo, and you just know that it’s a good one. And I saw Mike Orris carrying the flag, and I just knew that was a special moment for somebody who has served our country.”

The prize for the contest was a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol. Wednesday afternoon Ann C. Williams of Farm Bureau Financial Services presented the flag to Hart with the letter of authenticity from the Capitol. Hart then gifted the flag to Orris, as she felt this was his moment, she just happened to capture it.

KCII General Manager Joe Nichols was there and says it was a very special moment, “Honestly, it was a lot more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was a really special moment to honor Mike. I’ve been here at the station for almost 16 years, and I’ve seen him in about every kind of parade. Any time that flag is out there, I feel like I’ve seen Mike carrying it. It was a really unique and very nice gesture from Sally’s part to give that to him and his family. So, it was really special to meet his wife, and daughter, and be a part of that experience. It was really something I’ll never forget.”

CEO of the United Presbyterian Home Erin Drahota, Mike Orris’ wife Donna, and daughter Sue were also present.