Sioux Falls Scheels Hosts First American Flag Exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store partnered with American Legion Post 15 to honor the American flag by organizing its inaugural flag exchange event. Community members were invited to bring worn American flags for respectful retirement and receive new ones while supplies lasted.
Event Details and Participation
Andrew Thiessen, Scheels' hunting manager and a veteran, shared that the store provided 250 flags for the exchange. He noted this initiative had been successful in other locations and expressed optimism about the event’s progress 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.”
Support for Veterans
Scheels also committed to donating $25 to the American Legion for each flag exchanged, up to $3,000, to assist local veterans and their families. Thiessen emphasized that supporting veterans is central to Scheels’ mission.
“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.”
Significance of the Flag Exchange
Bill Peters, South Dakota American Legion Membership Chairman, described the event as a meaningful reminder of the flag’s symbolism and the respect it commands.
“The event served as a reminder of what the flag represents.”
By blending community engagement with veteran support, the Sioux Falls Scheels store successfully transformed a retail activity into a patriotic tribute.
Author’s summary: The Sioux Falls Scheels store initiated its first flag exchange to honor veterans and the American flag, blending respect, community service, and veteran support into a meaningful event.