Thank You, Mr. Garbage Man!': Video Captures Trash Collector Performing Simple Act of Patriotism

It's a simple act of patriotism that would have likely gone unnoticed had it not been for a witness sharing the story.

Trash collector Jeremy Fischer arrived at work 6 a.m. and started his day like any other last Wednesday. With about 1,000 pickups to make, he set out to do his work.

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A trash collector's simple act of patriotism has gone viral after the surveillance footage was made public. (Image source: Screen grab via KATU-TV)

But, when Fischer noticed a flag sitting in the street that had been blown off a neighbor's flagpole, his old Boy Scouts training kicked in.

"There's a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hope, a lot of other stuff that is the American flag. I figured since so many people have died for that, the least I could do was pick it up," he told KATU-TV.

[sharequote align="center"]"There's a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hope, a lot of other stuff that is the American flag."[/sharequote]

Instead of tossing it in the trash, Fischer folded it up military style, then returned it to its rightful owner. He did so without telling anyone, not wanting any credit for the good deed.

But, one neighbor happened to see the simple act of patriotism and just had to share it.

Nancy Neet posted a message on the Facebook page of Fischer's employer, Pride Disposal, located in Sherwood, Oregon:

"This is a SHOUT-OUT to the garbage man that worked on 2/18/14, in the Fanno Creek Loop area. I noticed my neighbor's flag had blown off its pole and I was going to get it for her after the rain and wind settled down. I happened to be glancing out my window when the garbage man pull up. He noticed the flag on the ground, and respectfully picked it up, and folded it in a Military fashion and carefully placed it on a post. No one else saw this going on, except me and God, and I shared this story several times yesterday-- it bought smiles to many faces, as well as my neighbor who is very grateful. Thank you, Mr. Garbage Man!!!! May God Bless You!"

After the trash collector's bosses heard, they convinced him to tell his story on television and made the surveillance video public, according to KATU-TV.

Watch video of Fischer's patriotic deed:

Nonetheless, he still would prefer to not have all the attention directed at him.

"Honestly if I had my way I wouldn't be on TV," he said.

But, his actions have moved many, with individuals now turning to Pride Disposal's Facebook page to share their thoughts.

"Thank you Jeremy!" Janet Millard wrote. "This country needs more patriotic citizens such as yourself."

"I just wanted to say thank you to Jeremy, for rescuing that flag and seeing it get properly taken care of," Jesse Ramirez added. "It sure does mean a lot to me and my brothers and sisters."

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