SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Veterans Day is a day to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who’ve served in the armed forces.

A Spectrum News 13 Everyday Hero not only served the country, but is spending every moment she can to make sure other veterans know their service is not forgotten.

“I love my country, I served my country,” said Mary Ingrassia, who’s known by most people as “Navy Mom Mary.”  “My husband served the country. My son now serves in this country — I’m proud of it.”

Ingrassia began making flag pins a few years ago when she said she noticed a sign of disrespect at a ceremony.

“A woman running for office on Memorial Day failed to stand still during the playing of the anthem during a Memorial Day ceremony, and it lit my heart on fire,” she said. “And I walked out of that park promising my brothers and sisters I would do everything in my power to teach America the real meaning of Memorial Day.”

Ingrassia said she is actually thankful for what happened that day because it sparked her mission that’s led her to make thousands of flag pins.

She folds the flags in a way similar to what you’d see prepared for a military service, and then irons on a label — a traditional American flag for pins anyone can wear — or a specific emblem for a veteran of a particular branch of service. 

Her husband helps in the effort, and Ingrassia is also enlisting help from people like 11-year-old Brooke Ratcliff, saying she wants to pass on her patriotism to a younger generation.

“It’s the kids — this country belongs to them,” Ingrassia said. “If they don’t start standing up and doing something, who knows what’s going to happen? And I’m not talking about politics right now, but this country in general, this flag.”

“We saw this guy in a wheelchair, one of those electric ones, and he had a hat on that said ‘Navy,’ so I ran out to the car and gave him the flag and he said, ‘Thank you.’” Ratcliff added.

Ingrassia said the best part comes when she presents the pins to veterans she’s never met.

But she says they’re no strangers to her — she considers them brothers and sisters.

“You know, people sit there and they look at that flag and they’re like, ‘Wow, somebody gets it, someone gets it,’" Ingrassia said. "And that’s what it’s about. They understand."

“All veterans want is to be understood,” she added.

Anyone interested in more information about Ingrassia and the pins she creates can reach her on her Facebook page or at tinytokensofpride@gmail.com.