American Flag Repository Station Established at Bridgewater Plaza

A repository station for the collection of faded, old, and/or torn American flags is now in place at Smith Mountain Lake’s Bridgewater Plaza.

The community is invited to a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Flag Day, June 14, 2023, at Bridgewater Plaza (16430 Booker T. Washington Highway, Moneta). The location of the repository was chosen due to its proximity to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and the high level of traffic that both Franklin and Bedford counties bring to the area.

After the brief ceremony, community members and the media are invited to attend the American Legion Post 62 Flag Day Event located on Scruggs Road directly across from Old Oak Café. This event will boast approximately 200 American flags donned with ribbons that will fly high in honor of U.S. veterans, military, and first responders.

Ribbon sponsorship is $20 and will be available at Bridgewater Plaza during the dedication ceremony and the Scruggs Road location from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Flag Day. Those not local to Smith Mountain
Lake, but wishing to participate, can mail sponsorship donations to: American Legion Post 62, PO Box 1075, Moneta, VA 24121. Flags will remain in place throughout the weekend.

The idea for the American flag repository came from an identified need in the community during a Smith Mountain Lake Leadership Academy session held in January 2023. The project – funded entirely by the community – was managed and executed by Holley Scheffel, who is a participant in the leadership class and an employee of Bedford County Economic Development.

Flags collected from the repository will be properly retired by the American Legion and given to a local funeral home to be placed with deceased veterans prior to their burial. Scheffel is the President of the Smith Mountain Lake Post 62 American Legion Auxiliary, the Chamber Ambassador for the American Legion, and the proud wife of a U.S. Air Force Veteran.