Basking Ridge, New Jersey
UPDATE:
Back in 2010, we posted this story on another website. Then, we said people needed to see this story about this man as he was seen again. It is a classic American tale that goes unnoticed, but we continue to root out these great American tales.
A man’s love of country and his patriotism keeps American flags flying. NOW HE NEEDS EVERYONE’S SUPPORT!
Nick Sant Foster served in the US Marine Corps Reserve in the early 1960s. “Putting up the flags is an expression of love for our country.” Our big problem right now is terrorism, which is fear, and the grand cure of fear is love. Love heals fear.” Foster notes that his efforts are just as important today as they were when he started. “I love this country and our flag,” he noted.
“I love this country and I love our flag.”
NICK Sant Foster – Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Meet Nick Sant Foster – The Flag Man
Have you ever seen those American flags on highway overpasses and wondered, “Gee, I wonder who puts those flags on the highway overpasses?” Meet Nick Sant Foster, known locally as “The Flagman,” who shows love of country and takes personal pride at his own expense to keep the American flag flying.
Sant Foster does not know who originally placed the flags on the overpasses but suspects it was one person. In any event, “I’ve been really impressed how often people stop while I’m putting up or repairing a flag.”
Sant Foster moved to Basking Ridge in 1996. Prior to that, Nick lived in Bernardsville (16 years) as a photographer and writer. The American flags cover bridges within a 45-mile radius, including Interstate 287 and Route 78. Most of the flags have been 3’x5′. 4′ x 5′. Locally, you can find flags draping the Martinsville Road, Somerville Road I-78 overpasses, and Oak Street crossing Route 287. “Do you know why I use the big ones there?” asks Sant Foster, “Because that’s the highest visible cross point in the area.”
You might also have seen Nick in his spare time during the holidays. Sant Foster can usually be found at the Christmas Eve caroling event in downtown Basking Ridge dressed as the “Candy Cane Man,” handing out candy canes to the children on the town green. Again, he buys everything using his own money year after year. Nick also volunteers at the Lyons VA Veterans Hospital Campus in nearby Lyons, New Jersey, and at the Woman’s Correctional Facility nearby Clinton.
Nick’s Flag Project
“Nick the Patriot Flagman” has been raising money to hang American flags on roadway overpasses. Many have been blown away by this man’s generosity and patriotism, so I’m compelled to spread his message and help him raise the estimated $800 he spends every year hanging American flags.
Donate to The Flag Project
How can you help Nick the Flagman and The Flag Project? At the Mr. Local History Project, we thought it’d be easier to raise $1 each from 800 people than $800 from one person. So, if you’d like to support this grassroots effort, we hope you’d consider donating.
Send Nick a contribution gift to make his day. How great it would be if Nick went to his mailbox and found that the community cared about what he does.
Nicholas Sant Foster
24 N Finley Avenue,
Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920
Keep the Flag Project campaign alive! Donate whatever you can.
TWEET and FACEBOOK ABOUT THESE TRUE PATRIOTS:
After this event, each of these flags will be taken down to replace the tattered flags on the area’s highways, overpasses, and roadways.
Where is “The Flag Man of Basking Ridge?
If you see Nick or any of his flags, snap a picture and send it in!
It’s a grassroots effort at its best! Mr. Sant Foster was a freelance photographer associated with the Image Bank (now part of Getty Images) and a photography teacher at Drew University. He is a former resident of Bernardsville and currently resides in Basking Ridge.
Related Stories to Share
- Keep America Flags Flying—Flagkeepers.org—Welcome to the Flag Keepers Project, where you can help make America a better place!
Updated: July3, 2024
Original Post: October 10, 2010
