Vandalia Health CAMC Memorial and General Hospitals held their third annual Flag Retirement Ceremonies on Nov. 5, continuing a meaningful tradition honoring veterans.
Sponsored by the CAMC Volunteer Hospital Auxiliaries, the flag ceremonies celebrate the retirement of the American flags that have flown above the hospitals throughout the past year. In keeping with tradition, the retired flags are presented to employees who also are veterans, symbolizing the hospital’s gratitude and respect for all who have served.
This year’s honorees were Pam Scarbro, a Health Unit Coordinator at Memorial Hospital and Mayford ‘Blaine’ Bowles, a Maintenance Technician at General Hospital.
The ceremony stems back to 2023, when it was discovered that Memorial’s campus did not have a flagpole. In response, the Volunteer Memorial Hospital Auxiliary funded the installation of a 70-foot flagpole, as well as the annual provision of new flags.
“Having the American flag flying over our hospitals stands as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families,” said Kelly Anderson, CAMC Volunteer Services Director. “This ceremony allows us to honor their service in a personal and lasting way.”
The Flag Retirement Ceremony is held each year near Veterans Day.
