Public Invited to honor Midlands First Responders on Flag Day 2023
Locally Owned and Operated Funeral Home, McAlister-Smith invites the public to attend its inaugural Flag Day Ceremony honoring Local First Responders here in the Midlands. McAlister- Smith Funeral and Cremation President and CEO, Representative Mark Smith said “The United States flag symbolizes our unity as a nation and our freedom from British Tyranny. It has been to the moon six times and is celebrated here on Earth every June 14th, we look forward to being a part of that celebration”. On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. on the front lawn of the historic 200 State Street property in West Columbia, first responders and local veteran groups will pause to reflect and honor the unwavering symbol that unites us and signifies the precious freedoms in our country. West Columbia Police Chief and Army veteran Chief Marion Boyce will deliver the keynote address. All local law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel are invited to attend.
“We are honored to be able to set aside a time for our local friends and neighbors to come together to honor our flag and thank many of our local first responders,” said William Lynch, Managing Director at McAlister-Smith. He went on to say, “We are proud to introduce a new program to the community at this event to retire flags properly and honor veterans in death with the new flag retirement program.”
Dedication of Flagpole
McAlister-Smith in Partnership with local West Columbia Business, Fletcher Monuments, will place a stone at the base of the Flagpole on the property with a message honoring the local first responders. With the large amount of foot traffic in the growing River District of West Columbia, it is the hope of both companies for many people to see and to be reminded of the sacrifices made daily by the first responders that serve our local area when they walk by.
Flag Retirement Program Launch
McAlister-Smith prides itself in finding unique ways to honor life in death. With McAlister-Smith’s new Flag Retirement Program, they will honor our nation’s colors in accordance with the flag code while honoring veterans who chose cremation. With flags donated for retirement, each veteran will have one placed with them during their cremation. Families will receive a certificate signifying that their loved one was cremated with a Retired US Flag, one final way to honor the veteran’s service. The public is encouraged to bring a flag that meets the standards of retirement if they have one available.
Founded in 1886, McAlister-Smith is a leader in Funeral and Cremation Services in both the midlands and low country. McAlister-Smith opened its West Columbia Office in February of 2023. The company offers a wide range of services for families experiencing a loss including special programs for veterans, first responders and K-9 first responders through their pet loss department.
