CENTRAL SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — Vanessa Renaud had a simple but powerful way to show her husband of 44 years just how much he means to her.
She surprised George Renaud, a retired Army veteran who served more than 20 years, by having a flag placed in his honor as part of Salute from the Springs — a community tribute featuring 1,111 flags displayed in downtown Colorado Springs to honor those who have served.
"I wanted to acknowledge my soldier. He's done so much for the country. He served over 20 years. A lot of times the soldiers forget that their spouses also see them in amazement, and I see him in amazement," Vanessa Renaud said.
The gesture caught George off guard.
"Yes, I was very surprised. It was very touching, not knowing what she had done for me," George Renaud said.
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George joined the military at age 22, compelled by what he witnessed during the Vietnam War.
"I wanted to serve my country. I felt like I needed to help," George said.
His service took him around the world to Italy, Haiti, and Germany. Vanessa said his ability to speak French and Creole proved invaluable during his deployments.
"He started out at Berlin as a translator...