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Filed Under:Flag Murals, Peter Haskell, Scott LoBaido, Staten Island
Scott LoBaido is embarking on a six-month trip across the country to pay tribute to veterans in a personal and patriotic way. (credit: http://www.scottlobaido.com/)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A Staten Island artist on Thursday was more than halfway through a road trip to paint flags in each of the 50 states.

As WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell reported, Scott LoBaido was back home for the Fourth of July weekend, and was set to take part in the borough’s Independence Day parade.

The flag tour started in February. Since then, LoBaido has painted oversized flag murals in 33 states.

He described them as 3D.

“Old Glory loves a windy day – the ripples, the highlights,” he said.

The paintings look like actual billowing flags.

“A couple of weeks ago, I had this old-timer Korean War veteran,” LoBaido said. “He just kept going over to the wall to feel and make sure it was flat.”

The murals are going on VFW and American Legion posts, as a tribute to veterans.

“These sacrifices were just tremendous, and this is my way of thanking these men and women,” he said.

LoBaido expects to finish his tour next month.