The VFW Post in Milford has made a big, new patriotic statement: A mural of the U.S. flag.

Artist Scott LoBaido, who is from New York, painted the large flag on the VFW Post 7788 building on Naugatuck Avenue as part of his 50-state tour. He aims to paint Old Glory on a VFW Post or American Legion building in each state.

The murals are free to all sites that receive them. LoBaido spent about five hours completing the mural.

Veteran Ed Doran Jr., of the Milford VFW site, says he is thrilled with the addition, and he hopes it will inspire passers-by.

"Fortunately, we were selected for the VFW post in Connecticut," says Doran, who is taking photos and documenting the local mural work. "He just wanted to give back to the communities and have people get a little more recognition and access to the flag."

The Connecticut mural is the 33rd flag painted since the project started.