Farmer pays respect to national anthem during football game

CASTLEWOOD, Va. (WCYB) — Farming is a way of life for Alex Couch of Castlewood. Couch says, "normally there's not a whole lot going on whenever you mow, it's actually kind of boring."

However, two weeks ago Alex enjoyed a moment he won't soon forget.

"On that particular field, we do it for a friend of ours. Whenever I pulled into the field that evening, I noticed there was going to be a football game," said Couch.

Castlewood was hosting its home opener against North Greene. When it came time for the national anthem, Alex caught the eyes of everyone.

Niki Hamm who was in attendance at the game said, "when they started playing the national anthem I looked up at the flag, and you could see him in the distance. He was standing on the tire to his tractor, with his arm across his chest and paying tribute to the flag."

"I'm sure there's a lot of men and women who have sacrificed so much, and can't stand for the national anthem," says Couch.

Couch added, "the least I can do is take a minute out of my day to stand there and recognize them and stand with them almost."

His action touching the hearts of many including Hamm, who has family that have served in the military.

"With everything going on in the world with Afghanistan and COVID and everything. That he actually took the time out to pay tribute, for him to do that, it was great," says Hamm.