A.G. Stacker Hosts National Flag Day Ceremony

June 15, 2022 – Weyers Cave, VA— A.G. Stacker, custom manufacturer of corrugated material handling equipment and technology, in partnership with the Fort Harrison Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), hosted a National Flag Day Ceremony on June 14, 2022, in Weyers Cave, VA.

The annual holiday celebrates the symbolism and history of the American flag on June 14^th, the anniversary of the flag’s inception in 1777. The 2022 Flag Day ceremony was organized to retire worn and barren flags, dedicate the new flag/flag pole installed at A.G. and honor local veterans and leaders on a historical day of reverence. The Fort Harrison Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, a national nonprofit, nonpartisan society promoting patriotism and preserving and teaching American history, were integral in the organization of the event.

Pack 1 Scouts of the Virginia Headwaters Council successfully retire 250 American flags

Special guests include Senator Mark Obenshain; Augusta County Board Supervisor, Gerald Garber; Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court, Steve Landes; Emily Carneal of Congressmen Ben Cline’s Office; Rockingham County Clerk of Circuit Court, Chaz Haywood.

The Flag Day Ceremony began with the Pack 1 Scouts from the Virginia Headwaters Council successfully retiring over 250 flags with dignity and respect. The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the Virginia Society SAR Color Guard, dressed in full Patriot militia uniform and musket. A Prayer of Dedication was spoken for the retired flags, along with a moment of silence and the playing of Taps in honor and remembrance of our fallen heroes.

Randy Atkins, Wes Dove, and David Carpenter of the Fort Harrison SAR lead the event with the Pledge of Allegiance, SAR Pledge, and Guest Recognitions. Captain Ros Poplar, decorated US Navy veteran gave a moving keynote speech titled, Flag Day As Seen By A Veteran, covering the history of the American flag and the trials its defenders have faced for generations. “To put it in perspective,

Captain Ros Poplar, retired U.S. Navy Veteran, speaks on “Flag Day As Seen By A Veteran”

each one of the fifty stars that adorns our flag represents the death of roughly 27,000 American Soldiers, Sailor, Airmen, and Marines that paid for the freedom we enjoy today,” notes Captain Poplar, as tears formed in many attendees’ eyes. He continues with remembrance for the veterans he knew personally who died in combat throughout his military career or lost their lives during the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Capt. Poplar concludes, “Flag Day for many veterans is a solemn day, because every time we see the field of blue and its fifty stars, we can see the faces of our lost comrades who gave their lives for this great nation. That is why every time a veteran sees an American Flag, do not be surprised if there is a tear shed for a former comrade – we will never forget!”

Virginia SAR Color Guard stands in reverence after the new flag is hoisted at A.G.

Following the keynote, Penny Cummiskey of the Massanutten Daughters of the American Revolution recited the American’s Creed before A.G. Stacker veteran employees hoisted the American flag up their newly installed 50-foot flagpole. Pete Johnson of James Madison University sang the National Anthem as many attendees stepped out of the tent to salute the star-spangled banner. With over 100 veterans, community leaders, scouts and citizens in attendance, “the rain couldn’t dampen Flag Day in Weyers Cave!” remarks Virginia Senator, Mark D. Obenshain.

The event concluded with a boxed lunch and Horn’s homemade ice cream. After the ceremony, A.G. Stacker conducted tours of their facility demonstrating various machining and cobot technologies alongside new digital twin solutions.

A.G. Stacker Owners Helen and Clarence Allen pose with Randy Atkins and Matt Philippi of the Fort Harrison SAR.

“We are proud to be an American manufacturer and it was an honor to host this event alongside our local Sons of the American Revolution,” says Joe Wunder, President of A.G. Stacker. “A special thank you to Randy Atkins, Wes Dove, Captain Ros Poplar, Kirk Sheap, David Carpenter, and Matthew Phillippi of the Fort Harrison SAR for their assistance in organizing this event. We also want to thank the Scouts from the VA Headwaters Council for doing an excellent job retiring our community’s flags. A final thank you to the local and national leaders in attendance for their time and support.”