This article was originally published in The Examiner on Dec. 8, 2016.
By Eleanor Skelton
Staff Writer
American Legion Post 493 in Mid-County added a Back the Blue flag to its flagpole during a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
“Today [we’re] Backing the Blue. We asked our local firefighters, our local police officers to come out here and let them know hey, we’re here for the community, we’re supporting you and we’re going to fly our flag under the colors of the American flag and the POW flag,” American Legion Post 493 adjunct finance officer John Vickery Jr. said, letting “the community and them know on a daily basis that we’re here for you and we back you 100 percent.”
Nederland Police Chief Darrell Bush and Nederland Fire Chief Gary Collins also attended the ceremony with several of their officers.
“We’re just very much appreciative of what these folks are doing for us, to recognize that blue lives matter, and the fact that they included the fire department as well means a lot because they’re not just wanting to do it for ‘Blue Lives Matter’ — they’re wanting to do it for first responders,” Bush said. “It means a lot to get the support from the community.”
“We’re proud to be down here with the American Legion, we’re thankful for the support they give the community year round and we’re happy to be included with this,” Collins said. “It’s one big family, the emergency responder community, we’re all looking out for each other in all situations and this just helps clarify what the citizens do for the community and help us.”
Vickery explained that American Legion Post 493 is part of a national organization made up of “veterans that help veterans.” Membership is open to all veterans. According to Vickery, American Legion is a three-part organization. The other two groups under their umbrella are the Auxiliary, composed of wives of veterans, and the Sons of the American Legion, which is sons or fathers of those who served.
“They didn’t serve, but it’s a way for them to come in and help their veterans, pay back for what their family members did,” Vickery said.
Vickery served in the United States Navy from 1990-1993.
The American Legion Post 493 is located at 922 Nederland Ave. in Nederland.
Eleanor Skelton 