'Flag Rewards' off to fast start

On Feb. 1, more than $2,600 in American Legion Emblem Sales credit was distributed to posts participating in the new “Flag Rewards” program. Introduced in August 2010 by Emblem Sales, “Flag Rewards” is a program based on American flag purchases made by a post and its local community.

“Flag Rewards” posts with more than $1,000 in community flag purchases from Aug. 1 to Dec. 31 include Little Falls, Minn., Post 46; Farnhamville, Iowa, Post 510; Douglasville, Ga., Post 145; and Punta Gorda, Fla., Post 510.

In total, 106 posts earned credit to spend in 2011. Over 400 posts have signed up for the growing program, and over 900 businesses and individuals have signed on to sponsor a local post.

Participating posts can receive a 10-cent credit for each dollar spent on the purchase of American flags. The credit is good towards the future purchase of any Emblem Sales catalog item. An example would be a post receiving a $2 future credit by purchasing a $20 American flag.

Qualifying purchases include those made by the post, as well as by the post’s members, friends, neighbors, local schools and businesses that choose to “sponsor” the post by buying their flags from The American Legion. A new website has been established from where sponsors may purchase their flags directly from American Legion Emblem Sales to benefit their local post.

While making The American Legion the primary source for communities to purchase their American flags, posts are encouraged to spread the message that an American flag purchased from The American Legion will give a direct financial benefit to the local post and help local veterans serve their community. The program is designed to increase visibility of American Legion members in their local neighborhoods and communities, increase contact with local businesses & civic leaders, and increase membership recruiting opportunities through contact with patriotic neighbors.

To participate, post adjutants can register their posts online here.