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No orders were needed... Flags at half staff
Many flags are flying at half staff in the area in honor of 13 military soldiers killed and 19 injured in Afghanistan Thursday.
Numerous businesses, organizations, and local residents lowered their flag displays to show support before President Joseph R. Biden proclaimed to do so the same day.
A suicide bomb attack at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport and an assault by gunmen at Abbey Gate killed more than 160 Afghans during the US-led military withdrawal from the country.
According to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 Commander Neil Brown, veterans rarely find complete closure after their service, and these types of events can be trying times. Brown explained that seeing the community support during these times is a double-edged sword for many.
The United States Flag symbolizes pride and support, but the story is much deeper for those who served their country.
"When a veteran sees a flag flying at half staff, they know what that means," said Brown. "It's not only about the loss of soldier in the line of duty; it's the grief of their families, their fellow soldiers, their communities. All of their lives have been forever changed."
Because of the events unfolding in Afghanistan, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 organized a town-hall-type meeting Friday, August 27, 2021, at 6 p.m. The Veterans Administration and the Mobile Vet Center Van were at the meeting to provide program information, support, and fellowship for veterans. The post is planning more meetings in the future.