Flag damaged in December tornado up for auction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An American flag that was damaged in last month’s tornado outbreak is being auctioned off Thursday with the money going toward a good cause.

The 50-foot by 35-foot flag at Town and Country Ford of Nashville has towered over Gallatin Pike since 1985, catching the attention of drivers, and even country music icon Willie Nelson, who reportedly penned a postcard to the dealership when his general store stood across the street.

The tattered stars and stripes have been replaced since a deadly tornado outbreak tore through Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Dec. 9. 

Proceeds from this tornado relief auction will benefit the community of Madison through United Way of Nashville. Click here to view auction.

“With all of our weather events that have happened, I think everyone has been touched in some way. Madison was particularly hard hit and I think that it’s just a way to, again, pay it forward and do your part to help your community. Sometimes, people don’t know what they can do, and so the auction provides an opportunity to do that,” explained Patti Baldini, owner and auctioneer, Baldini Auction Company.

Surveillance video shared with News 2 shows the powerful winds whipping through, damaging the dealership’s building and vehicles. Six people were inside at the time, but nobody was injured.

The flag will be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of price.