American Flag Guardians safeguard America’s symbol
American Flag Guardians joined forces Oct. 17 at the Lewes Beach parking lot to accept monetary donations and also collect American flags for retirement.
The Lewes-area group, founded by veterans David Shook, John Nehrbas and Travis Wyshock in August 2018, is dedicated to promoting flag etiquette and pride in America. The group purchases American flags for veterans, monitors City of Lewes flags and replaces worn-out flags.
During the retirement ceremony, Shook said throughout military history, it has been paramount to not allow the American flag to fall. “Today, the American flag is being dropped far too often in many ways. We are here to pick up the flag and run with it,” he said. “We are out here for respect to our flag.”
The organizers said some of the more than 200 collected flags will be burned in a ceremony while others will be sent to Gettysburg (Pa.) Flag Works, where a group removes the stars, resews them, and sends them to active military members across the world as reminders of hometown support.
Volunteers cut each embroidered star from the flag, dispose of the stripes properly, and place each star in a plastic bag with a card that reads: “I am part of our American flag that has flown over the U.S.A. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds have caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that you are not forgotten.”
Len Wysocky of Lewes, an Air Force veteran in attendance, took out a star to show the group that he has been carrying in his wallet for 20 years.
American Flag Guardians has an office at 1546 Savannah Road, Lewes. For more information or to make a donation, phone 302-645-9247 or go to 302patriot.com.
