Veteran marks 9/11 with 11-hour vigil on bridge

Ben Kinsey made a promise to himself years ago that he would stand on a bridge with an American flag in hand on 9/11 for 11 hours "every year until he was dead."

So far, it looks like he's kept his promise.

For the second year in a row, driver Whitney Newsome spotted the U.S. Marine Corps veteran standing on the I-20 overpass near Exit 1 in North Augusta, South Carolina.

"I know that he is a man of his word," Newsome said. "He fought for his country and still continues to stand for all those who can not stand for themselves."

Two months ago, the "mystery" man made headlines for returning to the bridge early to honor the four U.S. Marines killed by a gunman who attacked two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Hundreds of people commented, offering to stand with him next time.

But Kinsey was alone on Friday; it was just him and his flags.

In July, North Augusta public safety officers went to check on Kinsey, who was standing on the bridge in 100-degree heat.

"We perfectly support Mr. Kinsey. All our veterans. Anybody who wants to wave an American flag we stand behind him one hundred and ten percent," North Augusta Public Safety Chief John C. Thomas told CBS affiliate WDRW before.

Wearing a white button up with an American flag logo embroidered on the back, Newsome said he was the definition of a patriot.

"He is the symbol of America and how we should all stand for our country even when everyone else is trying to tear this country down," Newsome continued. "I hope that my children's children will remember this man and that even when he is long gone that everyone will remember the name Ben Kinsey."