Cheektowaga neighbor paying tribute to late veteran's Fourth of July legacy

A Western New Yorker is keeping up with the tradition of a late veteran celebrating the Fourth of July in a unique way.

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19-year-old Dave Shovelman roamed around his Cheektowaga neighborhood on his tractor decked out with American flags.

He did it for one reason and it was to bring back some memories of late veteran Ed Krier.

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"It was quite emotional to put together,” Shovelman said. “I just did it out of respect. I wanted to do this for him and I also wanted to do this for veterans.”

Shovelman said Krier would have displays of American flags and be the center of attention in the neighborhood to celebrate the holiday.

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“I’m more than honored to continue his tradition with his flag displays,” said Shovelman. “And I do have some of his inflatables and flags and his family has been very supportive.”

Shovelman shared with 7 News reporter Yoselin Person the great memories he had of Krier on the Fourth of July.

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“I would go to his house. I'd always take pictures with him and all of his flags, trains, and inflatables. I have a few memories of that. I needed to bring back his flag display,” said Shovelman. “I had to decorate my tractor because he decorated his jeep and he used to trolley kids around the neighborhood with the jeep.”

Shovelman's dad, George Shovelman, is a veteran himself who is proud to have served America from 1984 to 1988.

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As for Dave, he’s looking forward to carrying on Krier's legacy.

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“I would like to say I'm wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July stay safe and thank you for your service to all veterans,” he said.