Thursday, members of Poplarville’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4196 honored, what they referred to as, “the biggest and nicest flag in Poplarville,” which is located on the grounds of the Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home.
VFW Commander Michael Holliday said this is a first for the Poplarville chapter.
“We are awarding the hospital the Patriotic Citizens Award in honor of their daily display of the flag,” Holliday said. “They keep it looking good and that means something to us. Patriotism is very important and it should be important to everyone in today’s society. As far as we’re concerned, there’s nothing better.”
Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home Administrator Steve Vaughn said the current flag was installed in July of 2015 during a ceremony. However, for more than a decade, an American Flag has been displayed at the hospital, he added.
About two or three flags were destroyed during severe weather, he said. The flag is only removed for severe threats in the area. Other than that, the 20×30 foot flag is lit and flies 24 hours per day, Vaughn said. It is maintained by members of the facility’s maintenance department.
There are eight veterans who reside at the nursing home and several hospital employees are either veterans or active duty reserve members, Vaughn said.
“It’s more than just having our lighted flag on display, we also recognize them on patriotic holidays” he said. “We acknowledge the contributions of all our veterans and our civilian first responders who support and keep America strong. We are very pleased, proud and surprised the VFW has recognized us with this unexpected award.”
The VFW is a veterans outreach program which seeks to improve the quality of life for veterans, Holliday said.
VFW programs throughout the state support children’s homes, fund scholarship foundations, help veterans get into VA hospitals, lobby for veterans’ rights in Washington D.C. and host local events and activities at local schools, Holliday said.
“Lots of times the flag is taken for granted and to see this makes me glad,” Holliday said. “Several places in Poplarville keep a flag flying, but the Pearl River County Hospital has the biggest one and keeps it in good shape. We felt they should get the first one.”
VFW Senior Vice Shane Mendell, VFW Junior Vice Justin Miller and VFW members Randy Manix and David Wheat also attended Thursday’s ceremony.
Cpt. Shane Moore, a U.S. Air Force Chaplain, delivered the prayer.
J.M. Howard Jr. and Johnnie Sherman, current members of the hospital’s board and veterans, attended the event.
Vaughn accepted the award on behalf of the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors, the hospital board, residents and staff members.