Sioux Falls’ Scheels hosts its first American flag exchange
The Sioux Falls Scheels store, in collaboration with the American Legion Post 15, held its first American flag exchange to honor veterans and the symbol of national unity. The event encouraged people to bring worn or damaged American flags for proper retirement and receive new ones while supplies lasted.
According to Andrew Thiessen, a veteran and hunting manager at Scheels, the store offered 250 replacement flags for the exchange, marking the beginning of what is hoped to become an annual tradition.
“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 Thiessen.
Alongside the exchange, Scheels committed to donating $25 to the American Legion for every flag returned, with a donation cap of $3,000. The funds will support local veterans and their families, reinforcing the company’s dedication to those who have served.
“To Scheels, I think it’s just a very core foundation of who we are as a company,” Thiessen explained. “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, Membership Chairman for the South Dakota Department of the American Legion, emphasized that the event served as a powerful reminder of what the flag truly represents.
“This event reminds us of the meaning and respect that the American flag deserves,” said Peters.
Author’s summary
Scheels’ Sioux Falls store and American Legion Post 15 exchanged worn flags for new ones, combining patriotic honor and community support for veterans.