A young Marine being deployed to Afghanistan this month lent a patriotic touch to the raising of a new American flag at Reynolds Chapel United Methodist Church last Sunday during Independence Day observances.

Pvt. 1st Class Jeffery Blake Murphy helped church member Jim Anderson hoist the new American flag atop the church flagpole while members of the church congregation watched. The new flag replaced the worn, faded flag that had flown over the church grounds in past years.

Murphy is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Murphy of Bainbridge, and the grandson of Neal and Sarah Murphy of Lake Seminole.

He begins a tour of duty in Afghanistan later this month.

The new flag was purchased and donated to Reynolds Chapel by the young Marine’s grandparents, Sarah and Neal Murphy, active members of the church congregation.