Memorial Day is more than a week away, but the community is already paying tribute to local veterans.
LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) -- This Fourth of July, Old Glory is flying high. But what you may not know-- is those stars and stripes are made here in Michigan by prisoners. Prisoners in the upper peninsula sew together the American flag.
Some of the men working on the flags, are imprisoned veterans.
Once the flags are complete they're sold and the profits go right back to the program.
Organizers say it's a tax and moral benefit to society because learning job skills keep men out of prison.
Michael Green, sales and marketing Michigan State Industries says, "The intent behind this is to provide prisoners an opportunity to learn employment skills so when they get back to society they can look and hopefully find a job and stay out of prison."
Organizers make flags because it doesn't compete with any other market in Michigan.
Click here to buy your Made in Michigan American flag.