In the aftermath of tragedy, sometimes the smallest of gestures can bring a world of hope.

As Hurricane Michael tore through the Panama City Beach area, Mobile-based FOX 10 News photojournalist Rodney Rocker and meteorologist Adam Olivier noticed an American flag lying in a parking lot while they were driving around.

The duo returned later when the weather conditions were safe for them to exit their vehicles, and retrieved the flag that had been ripped to the ground by the hurricane’s gusts and will transport it back to the news station in Alabama where it will be cleaned and honored.

Watch:

“It’s a simple gesture, but I think it’s something that will make someone very happy around here, because it’s a symbol of our country and it really is something we can bond over and see as something that tears us down [but] also builds us back up with just a little help from each other,” Olivier said in the video.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn