Sioux Falls Scheels Hosts First American Flag Exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store joined forces with American Legion Post 15 to honor the American flag by collecting worn flags for proper retirement in exchange for new ones.
Flag Exchange Event Details
The event invited community members to bring in tattered American flags and receive new flags while supplies lasted. This was Scheels' first time hosting such an event, inspired by successful exchanges in other locations.
“It’s something that the other stores have done and seems to be really successful, so this is our first year doing it here at this store, and I think it’s going really well so far,” said Andrew Thiessen, Scheels’ hunting manager and a veteran.
Supporting Veterans through Flag Exchange
Scheels committed to donating $25 to the American Legion for each flag exchanged, up to a total of $3,000, helping support veterans and their families locally.
“To Scheels, I think it’s just a very core foundation of who we are as a company,” Thiessen explained. “We pride ourselves on being employee-owned and a veteran-supporting organization. To me, as a veteran, that’s huge because it’s very welcoming to vets who are transitioning out of the military.”
American Legion's Perspective
Bill Peters, South Dakota American Legion Membership Chairman, highlighted the event's significance as a reminder of the flag's meaning.
“The event served as a reminder of what the flag represents,” Peters stated.
Overall, the Sioux Falls Scheels flag exchange was a meaningful community initiative blending patriotism with veteran support.
Author's summary: Sioux Falls Scheels hosted its first American flag exchange, partnering with the American Legion to honor veterans and support them through donations tied to the event.