PEORIA, Ariz. — Fourteen years after being shot and paralyzed in the line of duty, an Arizona police officer was able to stand for the national anthem with the assistance of a cutting-edge wheelchair.
A heartwarming photograph shared on Facebook of Investigator William “Bill” Weigt presenting the American flag at the Arizona Special Olympics garnered widespread attention, with many expressing emotional reactions, Today reports.
“I’ve been yearning to stand for the national anthem for 14 years,” Weigt shared with Today. “It was overwhelming at first, but incredibly exciting.”
Weigt was paralyzed in 2005 after being shot during a suspect pursuit. As a former United States infantry soldier, the opportunity to ‘finally’ stand for the flag held profound significance for him, he told KPHO.