Former U.S. Marine veteran rescues flag during storm on Fourth of July

DEER PARK, Texas (KTRK) -- The rain that filled Houston bayous and streets is how we will likely remember this July 4th, but there's also another image to consider-- that of a man in the rain with a flag that had fallen over in a Deer Park esplanade.[br /][br /]"I ran up to the flag and picked it up, and made sure it was unfurled correctly and stand straight up," Marine Veteran Anthony Rodriguez said.[br /][Ads /][br /]This was an act that isn't surprising, because Rodriguez served on active duty in Iraq for five years.[br /][br /]It was Rodriguez's dream since childhood to be a Marine. A suicide bombing attack left him seriously injured, and ended his service, but not his sense of duty.[br /][br /]"My love for this country and for that flag has no bearing. If there's rain or a hurricane, I'm gonna go get it and put it where it's supposed to be," Rodriguez said.[br /][br /]Fiancee Jessica Giese took the pictures from the car and posted them on Facebook to send a message.[br /][Ads /][br /]"Be proud of who you are, be proud of America, be proud of your flag that flies high and strong, because of people like him," Giese said.[br /][br /]Anthony Rodriguez is no longer in uniform, but once a Marine, always a Marine. That includes in pouring rain.[br /][br /][/i] [i]Follow Deborah Wrigley on [url HREF="https://www.facebook.com/ABC13DeborahWrigley/" TARGET="new" REL="nofollow"]Facebook[/url] and [url HREF="https://twitter.com/wrigleyABC13" TARGET="new" REL="nofollow"]Twitter[/url].