Sioux Falls Scheels Hosts First American Flag Exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store, in partnership with American Legion Post 15, honored the American flag by collecting worn flags and exchanging them for new ones in a patriotic event.
Flag Exchange Event Details
The event invited community members to bring in damaged American flags for proper retirement and receive a new flag while supplies lasted. Andrew Thiessen, Scheels’ hunting manager and veteran, shared that the store provided 250 flags 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,” Thiessen said.
Support for Veterans Through the Exchange
For every flag exchanged, Scheels committed to donating $25 to the American Legion, up to $3,000, to support local veterans and their families. Thiessen emphasized that backing veterans aligns deeply with Scheels' core values.
“To Scheels, I think it’s just a very core foundation of who we are as a company,” said Thiessen. “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 Perspective
Bill Peters, the Department of South Dakota American Legion Membership Chairman, noted that the event reminds the community of the symbol and meaning behind the flag.
“The event served as a reminder of what the flag represents,” Peters said.
Author's Summary
The Sioux Falls Scheels and American Legion Post 15 successfully launched a meaningful flag exchange event to honor veterans and respect the American flag’s symbolism.