The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms held its semi-annual Flag Retirement Ceremony on April 6. All VFW Posts provide a dignified retirement of old and tattered American flags.
The ceremony was held beneath the American Flag soaring over the Post, with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Post Commander Bo Stallings opened the ceremony, followed by Chaplain Carol Truslow providing the invocation. The National Anthem was led by Joe Houdek, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The flag over the Post was raised during the playing of To the Colors by Post Bugler Joe Houdek.
Hundred of flags were properly retired by veterans, auxiliary members, Boy Scouts and community members. Members of Boy Scout Troop 20, which meets at Mt Pleasant Presbyterian Church, was among the participants, led by troop leader Daniel Senden. Members of Boy Scout Troop 15, which meets at Moultrie Middle School, also attended, led by troop leader Ryan Giles. During the educational component of the ceremony, the Boy Scouts demonstrated the proper way to fold the flag. The ceremony celebrated the flag as more than just a piece of cloth, but rather the emblem of the United States.
A worn flag receptacle was provided to the community at the entrance to the Post on Ocean Boulevard. Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms is fondly referred to as “The Post on the Coast.” Members of the VFW have served in a foreign war in one of the branches of the U. S. Military, either Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard. Many of the local veterans served in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Gulf War or Iraqi Freedom. Sadly, many of our World War II vets are no longer with us.
Members of the VFW Auxiliary have a close family member who have served in the military in a foreign war and were honorably discharged.
The VFW actively supports all members of the US military, veterans and their families. To learn more about the VFW Post 3137, visit vfwpost3137.org for information.
