Sioux Falls Scheels Hosts First-Ever American Flag Exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store partnered with the American Legion Post 15 to honor the American flag and veterans by holding its inaugural flag exchange event.
Flag Exchange Event Details
Customers were invited to bring in worn American flags for respectful retirement and receive a new flag while supplies lasted. The store made 250 flags available for the exchange.
“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.
Support for Veterans
For every flag exchanged, Scheels pledged to donate $25 to the American Legion, with a maximum of $3,000, to support local veterans and their families.
“To Scheels, I think it’s just a very core foundation of who we are as a company,” Thiessen added. “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.”
Bill Peters, American Legion Membership Chairman for South Dakota, noted that the event was a meaningful reminder of the flag’s significance.
“The event served as a reminder of what the flag represents,” Peters said.
Summary
Sioux Falls Scheels’ first flag exchange combined community support and patriotism, reflecting the company’s dedication to honoring veterans and the symbolism of the American flag.