In the News
KLTV 7: From Whitehouse to the White House: East Texas veteran delivers wooden flag to Washington D.C.
Washington,
October 7, 2025
A handcrafted wooden American flag created by an East Texas Air Force veteran was delivered to White House staff Tuesday on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Richard Palmer, of Whitehouse, made the flag as a birthday gift for President Donald Trump. He spent 200 hours and made an 18-hour drive to see his creation reach its destination. The presentation was organized by East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran outside the U.S. Capitol. “A few months ago, I decided to build a flag for President Trump for his birthday,” Palmer said. Palmer’s story first gained attention in June when KLTV shared his story. The White House soon became aware of the veteran’s efforts, and Palmer even received a letter signed by the president and first lady. “I’ve been told that he (President Trump) knows about it. And he did see the Channel 7 news story,” Palmer said. Crafted with East Texas materialsThe flag represents eight weeks of meticulous craftsmanship using materials sourced from East Texas. “The 13 stripes are made out of East Texas cedar, red cedar, and the other is made out of black walnut,” Palmer said. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Palmer’s dedication to the flag stems from a deep respect for what it represents. “It’s been torn up and thrown around and burned and dismantled, but it’s still here,” Palmer said. Congressman Moran expressed pride about Palmer’s gesture and the fact that he lives in his congressional district. “I’m so proud. I say often that it’s the first district of Texas for a reason. I think it’s the first district in Texas because it’s the best district,” Moran said. Palmer indicated that if the flag doesn’t end up on display inside the White House, he would be happy to see it hanging in Congressman Moran’s Washington D.C. office. KLTV 7 Reporter |