Giant flag shares message of hope

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — A small business owner painted a 10,000-square-foot flag on a field in west-central Indiana to boost spirits amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin Riggins, owner of JTR Repair Inc., painted the flag alongside his family and employees. He hopes it makes people smile and brings the community together.

Riggins is optimistic about the future, especially of businesses that are struggling right now.

“I hope that all my brothers and sisters who own small businesses can remember there’s an end in sight,” he said. “It’s going to be good when we come out of this. That’s what I’m forecasting.

“No matter what happened the day before, we’ve got to pull up our bootstraps every morning and get after it. Hang in there. Prepare for when we do come out of this, because I really do think it’s going to be great for everybody.”

Riggins’ automotive repair shop has provided free oil changes to medical providers and emergency responders, among other services. The shop also supports local restaurants.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” he said. “I’ve kept all my employees full-time and even added employees. We’re fortunate to be able to be essential and keep working. I know other shops haven’t been as lucky.

“I want us to come together and support each other. There’s so much negativity right now. I wanted this to be something everybody could be proud of.”

For more information about his small business, visit www.jtrrepair.com.

By The Numbers

• 10,686 square feet — size of flag

• 6 foot — size of stripes

• 30 gallons — paint used

• 2 hours — time spent preparing the night before

• 5 hours — time spent painting