Originally posted on wtoc.com:--EDEN, GA (WTOC) - A veteran has completely lost his home off Wildwood Lane in Eden after a fire destroyed it only a week ago.Charlie Hatritch watched his home go up in flames after coming back from a trip to the grocery store, every single belonging was ravaged by the heat and smoke except for his American flag.Firefighters with the Effingham Fire Department and Meldrim Fire Department were able to remove it from where it hung in front of the home and hand it to Hatritch.Little did that firefighter know that handing Hatritch that flag meant a lot since he was a veteran in the Vietnam War, serving as a marine.Hatritch is trying to remain optimistic and many people in his neighborhood have come out to help him clean up and donate personal items.Hatritch is currently staying with his son Dillon who lives right down the street.The cause of the fire is unknown at this point, the family does believe it was electrical in nature.