Sioux Falls Scheels Hosts First Flag Exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store and American Legion Post 15 honored the American flag by collecting worn-out flags and exchanging them for new ones.
Event Overview
Turning shopping into a patriotic event, Scheels held its first-ever flag exchange to pay tribute to veterans and Old Glory. The store teamed up with the American Legion Post 15, inviting people to bring in tattered American flags for proper retirement and receive new flags while supplies lasted.
Participation and Support
- Andrew Thiessen, Scheels’ hunting manager and a veteran, stated the store offered 250 flags for the exchange.
- Thiessen said, “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.”
- Scheels pledged to donate $25 to the American Legion for every flag exchanged, up to $3,000, to aid local veterans and their families.
Company Values and Veteran Support
“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.” – Andrew Thiessen
Community Impact
Bill Peters, South Dakota American Legion Membership Chairman, noted the event reminded everyone of the flag’s significance.
Summary: Sioux Falls Scheels made patriotism tangible by launching its first American flag exchange, supporting veterans and ensuring respectful flag retirement.