Local Boy Scouts, DAV Dedicate New American, KY Flags In Edmonson Center Ceremony

Scout Leaders Derek Curtis and Chris Stewart assist Scouts Dalton Curtis, J. T. Stewart, Levi Meredith and Dakota Curtis with the new flag. They were assisted by DAV members Jack Hasty and Bennie Durbin.

story and photos by Penny Saltsman
​Recently, Genesis Healthcare hosted a special event at the direction of the Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary, assisted by Boy Scout Troop 597.

Several months ago, storm winds ripped the American and Kentucky flag from the existing flagpole at the healthcare center, taking the rope with it. Jenny Oakes, Activities Director, said the American flag was eventually found in the trees by the creek, but the Kentucky flag was never found.

The issue of missing flags was brought to the attention of the DAV Auxiliary by one of its members, Madge Lashley, a resident of the healthcare center whose room faced the empty flagpole. Immediately after hearing the story of the lost flags, plans were made to remedy the flag-less pole.

DAV and Scouts salute the new American and Kentucky flags at Edmonson Center.

​Auxiliary Commander, Maurita Miller, worked closely with Chris Swihart, the healthcare’s Administrator, and Jenny Oakes in preparation of a flag dedication ceremony. At the ceremony, held on April 9, 2016, members of Boy Scout Pack 597 delivered a Kentucky and an American flag to Mrs. Oakes on behalf of the Wand B Doyle Chapter 32 Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary, to fly perpetually as the emblem of the cause for which our country and citizens of the State of Kentucky has fought and continues to fight, and for our many freedoms.

Scout J.T. Stewart presents an American flag to WWII veteran Jasper Woodcock at the ceremony.

​Mrs. Oakes then asked the Boy Scouts to assist in posting the Colors and Kentucky flag to their empty flagpole. After the dedication and posting of Colors, participants and residents at the facility enjoyed refreshments celebrating the occasion. After the dedication, members of Boy Scout Pack 597 visited residents who had served our military and presented them with small American flags thanking them for their service.

The DAV and Auxiliary said that it was a honor to participate in the event and gave praise and thanks to Mrs. Oakes and Mr. Swihart, to Boy Scout Pack #597, to Rep. Michael Meredith for contributing the Kentucky flag, and to all of our veterans for their many sacrifices so that we may have the freedoms we enjoy today.