Rahway teen stands post on corner, holding American flag and asking for honks

RAHWAY (WABC) -- A young man from New Jersey is getting a lot of attention over a patriotic act that has gone viral.

Six days straight for at least 10 hours a day, 14-year-old Shpejtim Zenelaj has kept his quiet corner post, simply asking those who pass by his Rahway Street to honk for the USA.

"I love America," he said. "It's a great country."

The soon-to-be freshman was upset hearing about protesters plans to burn American flag in Brooklyn this week, so he decided to take action.

"I felt disappointed in the citizens of this country doing that," he said. "I don't think they understand how much this county tries to help them."

Shpejtim is the youngest in a large family, and his parents emigrated from Kosovo in pursuit of the American dream.

"We all love America," mom Shpresa Zenelaj said. "So I think he just kind of encompassed what everybody feels by coming out here and showing support for the flag and the United States on such an important holiday like Independence Day."

The teenager has been standing on the corner from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. 10-6 without eating. He's fasting anyway for the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, and his family hopes his act will dispel negative stereotypes about Muslims in this country.

"His example will help that perception to be removed," brother Afrim Zenelaj said.

The simple patriotic display has different meaning for Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman.

"People are deplorably and inexcusably trying to hold on to the Confederate flag," he said. "And here we have a family that emigrated to the United States for a better life."

Steinman was so moved, he organized a parade of first responders who wanted to show their support for the young American Thursday.

"Employees started coming to us, saying they wanted to give up their lunch breake and their break time to come out and show support," he said.

The showing meant a lot to a young man beaming with patriotic pride.

"That was the best day of my life," he said. "I almost wanted to cry."

He plans to keep waving the flag and asking for honks through July 4, and one day he hopes to serve this nation, perhaps in public office as the U.S. Senator from New Jersey.