By Erica Thomas, managing editor
CLAY — The American Legion SSG Michael W. Hosey Post 205 Clay-Trussville plans to raffle one of two homemade wooden United States Flags.
Sean Brown, of Cotton Gin Provisions, made the flags out of pine wood. He makes the flags and sells them, but he gave a hefty discount to a Legion member so the post could have one to keep and one to put up for raffle.
Brown said it takes a few hours to make one of the 25-pound flags.
“Everything has to dry in between each process,” said Brown. “Everything is hand-painted and American-made. The wood is from the southeast part of the country. It’s an honor every time I make them.”
The flags are made with burned wood, in order to give a distressed and antique wood. Brown burns the wood, stains it and hand paints the flags, including the 50 stars.
“I grew up loving our military and their families,” Brown explained. “My goal when I started making these was to be able to afford to give away more than I sell and we have been able to do that over the years.”
Brown’s dad was in the military, as well as a lot of his friends, so he said takes a lot of pride in honoring those who served.
“It’s just a little token of our appreciation,” said Brown. “America all the way! We’re patriotic and we love America and want to support our country.”
Among those who have one of Brown’s flags, is country entertainer Luke Bryan. The artist placed the flag in his “man cave” and took a picture for social media. Garth Brooks also has a flag made by Cotton Gin Provisions.