Fraternity members at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, who gained attention for defending the American flag during campus protests earlier this year, are set to celebrate with a large concert event, FOX News reports.
The event, known as “Flagstock,” is being organized by country singer John Rich, who was inspired by the students’ actions in May. During that time, a group of students, including several fraternity members, stepped in to prevent the American flag from being replaced by a Palestinian flag amid campus unrest. This incident drew widespread social media attention and national media coverage.
A third-party-launched GoFundMe fundraising campaign for the students raised more than $500,000. Rich responded by offering to host a concert in their honor, featuring notable artists such as Big & Rich, Aaron Lewis, John Ondrasik, and Lee Greenwood. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees.
John Rich praised the students’ actions, emphasizing their commitment to respecting the American flag.
“I was so impressed that someone had taught them to never let the American flag touch the ground, under any circumstances,” Rich shared with Fox News Digital.
The flag incident happened when anti-Israel activists tried to replace the American flag on the university’s quad. The first replacement was reversed by UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts and police officers. When attempts were made to remove the flag again, students intervened to keep it from touching the ground.
Student Guillermo Estrada, who documented the event, expressed disappointment with the flag’s initial removal and praised the students for their defense. The Greek community, including members of Pi Kappa Phi, AEPi, Delta Upsilon, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Phi Gamma Delta, and Zeta Beta Tau, contributed significantly to this act of preservation.
As part of the fundraising effort, any excess funds from Flagstock will be donated to various charities, including Back the Blue NC, Wounded Warrior Project, Children of Fallen Patriots, and the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism.
Back the Blue NC, which supports law enforcement and the families of officers killed in the line of duty, will also benefit from this event. The organization expressed gratitude for the support, stating that a portion of the funds would go toward their mission, particularly in light of recent tragedies involving law enforcement officers.
Flagstock will be streamed live online at 7:30 p.m. ET on Labor Day, offering a chance for those unable to attend in person to participate in the celebration.
