March 29, 2020
NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
Mike Howkins and his wife Shirley Espineli wave flags and salute drivers on top of the overpass near the college. Howkins goes out every afternoon to salute drivers with the hope of spreading smiles and positive vibes.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Mike Howkins has been standing on the highway overpass near the college nearly every day with a giant Canadian flag, waving to drivers as they speed down the highway during their commutes.
Howkins’ wife, Shirley Espineli, was by his side Sunday to wave the flag of the Philippines, her native country. He says they are trying to spread positive vibes.
“We’re just here getting some fresh air, leaning over the Highway of Heroes to wave and salute to all the drivers making their way home,” he said. “Truck drivers, ambulance drivers and just the average Joe and average Jen – that’s who we’re waving and saluting to.
“We’ve got the teepee right beside us. We’ve got our Canadian flag. We’ve got the hospital right down the highway and we’re praying over it.”
Hawkins says he loves to have people honking at them, and give a wave when passing by.
“We’re here to raise morale just a little bit,” he said. “We know people are down a bit right now so we’re just trying to brighten peoples’ days a bit.
“People are going to work, doing their jobs and keeping everything running. The community support has been amazing.”
Howkins has a Facebook page set up where he posts what time he will be going to the bridge to wave flags. He encourages people to share things in the group that will make others smile.
“We’ve done this for eight days and I just want people to know that everything will be all right,” he said.
Howkins’ page can be found on Facebook by searching ‘Morale Bridges – Medicine Hat Alberta.’
