I Am The American Legion: Greg Gabry

Greg Gabry likens his post’s flag etiquette program to growing a garden.

“How do you start a tomato? You have to plant a seed,” says Gabry, commander of Post 116 in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. “How do you get flag etiquette? You have to get to the youth. As veterans, we are here to help and support the youth of our country. The American Legion plants seeds as an investment in the future – our children.”  

Post 116 members routinely bring their flag etiquette program to elementary and middle schools in their community. It’s especially helpful to fourth-graders, who as fifth-graders will lower and raise the U.S. flag each day. 

The Legion program is part history lesson, part Q&A and demonstration. Legionnaires show students how to properly hold, fold, raise and lower the flag. When they ask for volunteers, hands quickly go up.

The impression lasts well past the ringing of the school bell.

 

“I remember back 10 or 12 years ago as we marched the colors at the Christmas parade,” Gabry says. “About 20 to 30 percent of the people would stand as the flag would go by. As of 2015, there were more than 70 percent. You can see the children we inspire; it starts with them. They stand up and have their hands over their hearts. You can see the ones you have touched and helped educate about the flag. It is starting to catch on.”

Branch of Service Navy (1987-1997)

NECConstruction electrician first class

American Legion PostFuquay-Varina Post 116, Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Years in the Legion17

Veterans Activities

 

  • Post commander (2009-2011, 2015-2016) 
  • District commander (2012-2013) 
  • Department membership chairman 
  • (2013-2014) 
  • Department vice commander (2014-2015)
  • National Security Council member (2013-2016)