Just as these men answered the call to serve their country, they also responded to their fellow man to replace an Orangeburg Landmark.

Old Glory!

The same flag that had been flying at the Department of Veteran Affairs CBOC at the Village.

The same flag placed there by the DVA.

The same flag that served as a lighthouse for veterans seeking the department's location at the Village on Old St. Matthews Road.

The same flag that flew 24 hours a day 'til it became faded and frayed.

American Legion Post 4 Commander Henry Dukes said, "I received a call from John Rivers of the Veterans Affairs asking us if we would replace it. We took a vote and decided we would buy it and replace it. We thought it was a worthy cause.

"As it is, any veteran who goes out there at the Village will find it better, it's the only flag flying out there," he adds.

"It gives me good satisfaction and made me feel good to do a good cause," says the army veteran.

For Post 4 Chaplin the Rev. Charles (Chuck) Bennett, "The flag serves as an emblem for the value our veterans fought for, to live in a free country. For me that flag will stand out, reminding me it's great to be an American."

And what will be the fate of the former landmark/flag?

"We will have a flag disposal ceremony later on during the year. We have a box at the post in which we collect old flags," Bennett says. "We don't have a particular date yet, but we will have one in cooperation with the Boy Scouts.

"It's a great community effort for the scouts and legion together," he adds.

Furthermore, it's a great expression of patriotism and respect displayed by Orangeburg's "Greatest Generation" — answering the call once again.

-- T&D Correspondent Rendy Boland can be reached with comments or story ideas by phone at 803-535-2222.

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