Community Investment, Culture / Leadership

A Tribute to the American Flag in Illinois

June 13, 2025

Operation Old Glory is a unique initiative started by military veteran employees at Comcast to honor our nation’s symbol and people’s individual connections to the American flag in the communities we live in and serve. Through Operation Old Glory, our dedicated teammates work together to retire and replace worn or damaged flags outside homes and businesses, free of charge. Any home or business is eligible for the program, not just those that subscribe to our services.

Members of Comcast’s Veterans Network (VetNet) Employee Resource Group (ERG launched Operation Old Glory in 2017. VetNet connects active military, veterans, military family members, and military supporters within our company. VetNet, like all Comcast ERGs, is open to all employees. Operation Old Glory’s Flag Ambassadors volunteer to retire and replace flags within their local communities. This simple but meaningful act of service honors people’s personal connection to the flag.

Ed Beazley is a Flag Ambassador in Illinois. Ed is a Manager on the Comcast security team and has been with the company since 2021. We sat down with Ed to talk about Operation Old Glory in advance of Flag Day.

Ed Beazley, a Flag Ambassador for Operation Old Glory, a flag replacement program — Ed Beazley, second from left, leads a flag replacement.

What is your military background?

I served 14 years with the Illinois Air National Guard and for three years I was an Intelligence Specialist with the Navy Reserve. In the Air National Guard, I was like Comcast but in a combat communications squadron – providing services in deployed locations. In the Navy Reserve, I worked in a unit with a counter-terrorism/counter-intelligence mission.

How long have you been a member of VetNet?

I joined VetNet during onboarding on one of my first days at Comcast in 2021. I was selected to attend Comcast’s annual Military Influencer and Leader Development Symposium in 2022 and became more involved in VetNet after that, taking on a role with the events committee in Illinois. Beginning in 2025, I became a co-lead.

Why did you volunteer to be a member of Operation Old Glory?

I have always taken great pride in our nation’s flag. I love driving down the street and seeing it flown on people’s houses and businesses. Being outside it will become tattered over time and not everyone has the means to keep up with replacing it. It’s great that Comcast will replace these flags and I am honored to be a part of that process.

What makes Operation Old Glory special or different than other programs at Comcast or even in your community?

Operation Old Glory shows Comcast’s commitment to our nation’s values and to the neighborhoods we serve. The flag may mean something different to each person and flying a clean, untattered flag shows that Comcast honors each of those values and the people who have sacrificed for them. A new flag symbolizes a fresh start, continued progress, and an enduring belief in what the United States stands for.

What does the American flag mean to you?

When I see the American flag, I’m reminded of those who have fought to protect our liberties, as well as the ongoing responsibility we all share to uphold the ideals of justice and equality. The American flag stands not just for where we’ve been, but where we are going together as a nation.

Can you tell us about a memorable Operation Old Glory flag replacement?

The most recent flag replacement I participated in was very special to me. It was the first of nine flags we have committed to replacing for the Merrillville, IN school district. The veteran employees came out as the flag was being replaced and were recognized for their service. Two school children were selected to lower the flag, fold it, and hoist the new flag up. It was a teachable moment for the children in respect for the symbol of our nation’s freedom. Another one that has stayed with me was a flag that was in bad shape and ripped in many places. The homeowner came out to thank us as we were replacing it. He is a 100% duty disabled Marine who recently lost his job.

Finally, if someone in your area wants to contact you about replacing a flag, how can they reach out to Operation Old Glory in Illinois?

If someone in the area serviced by the Greater Chicago Region sees a flag that needs replacing, they can submit the information by scanning this QR code or clicking on this link and answering the questions. You don’t have to be an Xfinity customer or Comcast Business customer to request a flag replacement.