Sioux Falls’ Scheels Hosts First American Flag Exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store partnered with American Legion Post 15 to honor the American flag and veterans by holding its first-ever flag exchange event. Residents were invited to bring in worn and tattered American flags for proper retirement and receive a new flag while supplies lasted.
Event Details and Participation
Andrew Thiessen, the Scheels hunting manager and a veteran, shared that the store provided 250 flags for the exchange. He noted that this tradition had been successful in other stores and that the event is going well in Sioux Falls.
“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.”
Supporting Veterans Through the Exchange
Scheels committed to donate $25 to the American Legion for every flag exchanged, with a cap of $3,000, to aid local veterans and their families.
“To Scheels, I think it’s just a very core foundation of who we are as a company. 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.”
Community Impact
Bill Peters, Membership Chairman for the South Dakota American Legion, emphasized that the event serves as a meaningful reminder of the values the flag represents.
“The event served as a reminder of what the flag represents.”
Summary
Sioux Falls’ Scheels, through its first flag exchange and partnership with the American Legion, actively supports veterans while honoring the symbolism of the American flag in its community.
Author’s summary: Sioux Falls Scheels hosted its inaugural flag exchange, combining patriotism and veteran support through partnerships, flag retirement, and donations to the American Legion.