Dave Jackson of Butler Township has been running with a four-foot American flag along Route 68 and Whitestown Road for 12 years. Due to complications with his knees, "The Flag Runner," as he's been dubbed, has crossed the finish line. Eagle File Photo

Justin Guido

Dave Jackson, a 20-year military veteran known to locals as “The Flag Runner” or “The Flag Man,” announced last week that he has crossed the finish line after 12 years.

The 59-year-old marathon runner from Butler Township was famous for his jogs down Route 68 and Whitestown Road, carrying a four-foot American flag with him.

After his Memorial Day run, Jackson posted on Facebook that he was retiring from the tradition.

“After struggling on my annual Memorial Day run, it’s clear that my knees can’t do it anymore,” he said. “It’s been an amazing 12 years for me in the Butler County area. Made friends ... honored the brave, the fallen and the serving. Most importantly, it’s refocused me on how lucky we are to live in such a great country.”

Reflecting on his journey, Jackson said what he’s taken away is the love and support from the community of Butler.

“It blows me away, the kind of community here, they’ve been so wonderful to me. Such nice, nice people. It’s been such a joy to represent Butler,” he said.

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