“I want freedom for everybody,” Royally Steib says. “I like to wave the flag. I wish every nation could get together with us and have peace on Earth.”

It sounds nice, but it truly is more than just talk for Mr. Royally.

The longtime resident of Twin Oaks Nursing & Convalescent Home in LaPlace turns 77 in July but remains as active today as ever.

Many local residents and motorists know him as the man who stands along West 5th Street in LaPlace waving a United States flag for all passersby to see.

So, where as we all may talk about wanting to make our community and nation a better place, Mr. Royally actually does so each day by offering a warm smile, concerned “how are you” and authentic flag wave to anyone who needs it.

Twin Oaks Social Service Director Cyndi McGregor said Mr. Royally’s kindness is 100 percent from the heart.

McGregor said Mr. Royally never missed a day asking about her condition when she told him she was battling cancer. After numerous rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, McGregor said Mr. Royally’s genuine concern each day served as a natural pick-me-up.

It’s something many in the community already appreciate.

When I had a chance to speak with him this week, Mr. Royally told me he likes to stay active by attending Mass as many times as he can at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

He also likes walking to local hardware and dollar stores.

It’s a practice he began approximately 20 years ago when he first came to live at Twin Oaks Nursing & Convalescent Home.

His daily walks are something many in the community are aware of, but a year ago Twin Oaks staff members provided him with a flag to make his presence more visible along city streets and sidewalks, thus diminishing the chances of a wreck.

With flag in hand, Mr. Royally remains active in and out of Twin Oaks.

“As long as our residents are up and about, alert and oriented, they are not restricted,” McGregor said. “This is considered their home. They can go out.

“(Mr. Royally) is very friendly, very sociable. He loves to talk to people. He is very appreciative when people stop to give him things, because at Christmas time, people stop and give him gifts.”

Many staff members at Twin Oaks speak of Mr. Royally’s kindness and warmth as perfect gifts for bad days.

He has a good memory, loves the History Channel and had no problem sharing with me his thoughts of St. John and James Parishes and past American wars when we spent some time together this week.

As we all take some time this weekend to reflect on a wonderful Fourth of July holiday, it warms my heart to know Mr. Royally is part of our community, forever ready to wave our flag and share some genuine concern for anyone who needs it.

Stephen Hemelt is publisher and editor of L’OBSERVATEUR. He can be reached at 985-652-9545  or stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com.