associated press

FORT DRUM — A World War II-era American flag that has flown at U.S. military posts from Texas to Afghanistan was raised Wednesday at Fort Drum.

The 48-star U.S. flag covered the casket of Marine Pfc. Joseph A’Hearn of Somerville, Mass., who died 68 years ago Wednesday from wounds suffered in the Battle of Iwo Jima. His grandson, Lt. Col Christopher Moretti, serves with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division.

Since 2004, Col. Moretti has flown the flag wherever he’s stationed on Feb. 27, the anniversary of his grandfather’s death. The flag has flown in Kansas, Kuwait, North Carolina twice, Iraq, Afghanistan, Italy and Texas twice.

Col. Moretti raises the flag in honor of his grandfather and all fallen American warriors.

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