Casper veterans raise new flags for holiday week
The Veterans Club at Casper College began its schedule of events with a flag ceremony at the Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center.
By Alyssa Parker ·
Members of the Veterans Club at Casper College began Veterans Day week on Monday with a flag raising ceremony outside the Walter H. Nolte Gateway Center. The event marked the start of a series of community gatherings scheduled for the rest of the week.
Four veterans, including Marine Corps veterans Sherry Johnson, Kurstin Larsen and Patrick Amelotte, and Air Force veteran Jerome Grayson, performed the flag change. They lowered and folded the old, faded flags before securing fresh American and Wyoming flags to the pole. A trombone player played during the ceremony as the new flags ascended.
Sherry Johnson, the club's vice president, said the new flags represent a fresh start. She explained that the week honors both active duty service members and those who have retired. Johnson noted that the holiday offers a chance for veterans to discuss their military experiences with each other and the local community.
Johnson emphasized that the week helps her maintain connections within the military community. She said the club reaches out to former comrades during this time to stay in touch.
The club has a full calendar of events planned through Friday. Members will distribute poppy flowers to the public. A luncheon for students and faculty is set for Wednesday. On Thursday, the group will host a movie night for veterans at Veterans Services. The week concludes on Friday with the sixth annual Veterans Ball.
