Walton, Sons of the American Legion donate 100 flags for Veterans

By Scott Bidroski

Gordon resident Casey Walton is being recognized for his efforts in supporting an amazing program in our area that is dedicated to honoring Veterans.

Walton, and the Gordon Post 34 Sons of the American Legion, were able to purchase 100 4x6 American Flags for the Chadron Community Hospital Home Health and Hospice organization.

Sarah Hageman runs the program which finds a special way to honor and serve the area Veterans with those flags.

“In 2017, our staff was inspired by a video that showed a deceased Veteran, draped by an American flag, being wheeled down a hospital hallway,” said Hageman.

“What was so amazing about this video was that all staff and fellow residents stopped what they were doing and placed their hand on their heart in silence as he was taken out of the building. This was so moving; we decided to try to implement a similar practice for our patients that were in nursing homes,” she added.

Initially, there were 90 or so flags donated from the Chadron State College ROTC program. That supply has since run out. That’s where Walton and the Gordon Sons stepped up.

Through fundraising efforts, Walton was able to secure funding to purchase 100 more flags for the program.

It is noted that these flags are different from the flags that are placed on the coffins of Veterans when at their graveside service. The flags for this program at 4x6 in size and the flags for the graveside service are 5x10.

The program covers Highway 20 from Harrison to Merriman, doing their best to pay their final respects to those who sacrificed so much for us all. 

Hageman is so grateful for the efforts of Walton and everyone who contributed to this great cause.

“We are so thankful for Casey’s efforts to support our program. His hard work will help us to continue this great program that honors our Veterans,” said Hageman.