An artist painting flags across America unveiled his latest creation. Scott Lobaido is painting Old Glory on a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post or American Legion in every state. He just finished a special edition at Nashvilles VFW Post 1970. Lobaido began his 50 State Tour in February in North Carolina. He spends 3-4 days at each location. A dedication ceremony today is something Post 1970 commander, Donald Webb welcomes. After serving two tours in Vietnam, the serviceman of 30 years says he wasnt welcome coming home from war. Webb says, "Baby killers that's what we were known as and it's pitiful because all we were doing was our job." Lobaido is doing his job to make it up to all veterans. Scott Lobaido says, "God gave me my gift, my parents molded my talent and the men and women of the armed forces give me the right to use it. I think it's time that they be center stage., I am going to paint old glory big and bold." Its not the first time the artist is touring painting the American Flag. On his current journey, he came to Tennessee sooner that planned due to the recent Chattanooga shooting at two military sites. In honor of the four Marines and Sailor killed, Lobaido painted a gold initials in a star. Lobaido says, " Just a small memorial from me to the community. It really just spreads across the wall and also did something that I don't normally do ." He made an addition to the flag, inserting a Purple Heart. Webb says, "It's not just for these five its for all veterans. It's amazing, it truly is. It touches our heart. Lobaido says, "There is no other work of art that can bring tears to a big, tough, grown, war hero and that's the Star Spangled Banner. I am spreading a fever, a fever that you can't cure which is patriotism. This flag is supposed to unite and thats what I am trying to do also. And some hope it brings more people these veteran buildings, which suffer a declining membership nationwide. Webb says, Many reasons, we're getting older every day, leaving this world." The veteran says he hopes more drivers will be able to see the mural from the road. Right now, a large wall of trees and grass block the view from Charlotte Pike. The VFW does not own the property, so the group is unable to clear it. Webb says several people have come to the VFW to see the mural. Webb says, "I think this is definitely going to bring more people in" In the meantime, Lobaido is hoping everyone joins the patriotic movement. He says its very simple. Lobaido, says, Every day is Veterans Day and the Fourth of July...put your flag up." Lobaido is traveling in a hand painted SUV he named Betsy. The auction for Betsy is starting now through the end of 50 State Tour. The Stephen Siller Tunnel To Towers Foundation, together with Scott LoBaido, are holding an online auction, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Foundation's Building for America's Bravest program. For more details and bidding, visit:https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=Tunnel2Towersaalias=Betsy Lobaido personally selected each veteran mural location. For more information on the VFW Post 1970- West Nashville, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/VFW-Post-1970-West-Nashville/348127652050132?rf=192591897479079 VFW Post 1970 is located at 7220 Charlotte Pike, West Nashville, Tennessee 37209. The group encourages anyone to become a member. For more information on Lobaido and his campaign, visit: www.scottlobaido.com

• published: 03 Aug 2015
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