GREENVILLE – In a gesture of appreciation and support for local veterans, the Greenville American Legion Post 140 donated a large American flag to the Brethren Retirement Community (BRC) during a special Memorial Day season ceremony held Friday afternoon at the Community Center on the BRC campus.
Members of the Post 140 Honor Guard presented the new Red, White, and Blue flag before residents, family members, staff, and veterans gathered for the flag-raising ceremony.
Members of Greenville American Legion Post 140 respectfully lowered the existing American flag before replacing it with a new flag donated to the Brethren Retirement Community. The old flag was carefully removed and folded in accordance with established flag etiquette before the new flag was raised, which welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the donation and the Legion’s ongoing commitment to veterans.
BRC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Holly Hill welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the donation and the Legion’s ongoing commitment to veterans.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Greenville American Legion for their generous flag donation and continued commitment to honoring those who served our country,” said Hill. “These flags serve as a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and help us create a beautiful tribute for Memorial Day as we remember and reflect with gratitude.”
The new flag replaced an older American flag flying on BRC’s main flagpole.
Greenville American Legion Post 140 Commander Ken Wombold said the donation was a way for the Legion to give back to an organization that consistently supports veterans.
“The Brethren Retirement Community takes care of us, so we take care of them,” said Wombold. “We want them to have a nice flag for their main flag pole, so it is an honor to present the flag to BRC.”
Participating in the presentation on behalf of Post 140 were Vice Commander Richard Grow, Adjutant Larry Rammel, and Honor Guard member Lanny Brenner.
Hill thanked the Legion and those in attendance for joining the ceremony during the Memorial Day season.
“Thank you for joining us today as we gather in remembrance and gratitude this Memorial Day season,” Hill said. “Thank you to the American Legion for your generosity, and thank you all for joining us today as we honor and remember our nation’s heroes.”
BRC is home to more than 30 veteran residents and also employs several veterans among its staff. Hill noted the importance of recognizing their service while also remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“On behalf of Brethren Retirement Community, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome and sincere appreciation to the Greenville American Legion for being here and for their generous donation of flags,” said Hill. “Your continued commitment to honor those who have served our country means so much to our residents, staff, and families.”
She reminded those gathered of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
“Memorial Day is a sacred time of remembrance,” Hill said. “It is a day to pause and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten.”
Hill also recognized the veterans in attendance.
“We are deeply grateful for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country,” she said. “Your commitment has protected the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we are honored to have so many heroes as part of the Brethren Retirement Community family and our community.”
The donated flag, she said, will serve as a lasting symbol of patriotism and remembrance.
“We are especially thankful to the American Legion for this meaningful flag donation,” said Hill. “These flags serve as more than decorations – they are symbols of sacrifice, patriotism and remembrance. They remind us of those who gave everything and inspire us to carry forward their legacy with gratitude and respect.”
Hill concluded the ceremony with a prayer, asking God’s blessing upon fallen service members, veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. She also offered thanks for organizations such as the American Legion that help preserve the spirit of remembrance within the community.
“May these flags stand as a reminder of sacrifice, unity, and hope,” Hill prayed. “Help us never forget the cost of freedom and inspire us to live lives worthy of those who gave so much.”
Following the ceremony, Wombold reiterated the Legion’s commitment to organizations that care for veterans.
“We don’t just donate flags to everybody,” Wombold said. “But anybody that looks after their veterans, we’ll look after them.”
The ceremony served as both a tribute to America’s fallen heroes and a reminder of the strong partnership between the Greenville American Legion and the Brethren Retirement Community in honoring those who have served the nation.
