Tomah VA Medical Center

Chaplain Charles Keogh, a U.S. Army Veteran and artist Navy Reserve Veteran Mel Gullickson leading Veterans in the Pledge of Allegiance during dedication ceremony at Tomah VAMC.

To mark National Flag Day, Navy Reserve Veteran Mel Gullickson recently blessed the Tomah VA Medical Center with a wooden American flag for the entrance to the lobby of the Administration Building (400).

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

Tomah VAMC Chaplain Charles Keogh, a U.S. Army Veteran, provided prayer for the event honoring the Star-Spangled Banner.

“Gracious, Almighty, and Eternal God, the citizens of this country have established the American flag of stars-and-stripes as a symbol of unity, a statement of identity, and an expression of patriotism,” said Keogh. “The stylized flag at this entryway of the medical center serves as a reminder to all who enter here of the duty, honor, country, and service of veterans and their families. And, we hereby dedicate it accordingly.”

The 83-year old Gullickson made the Old Glory replica from baltic birch plywood with each piece being cut and then glued together including the stars.

“Carol, my wife, is a volunteer driver and she brings Veterans from Waushara County to their appointments here and she got to be friends with all the greeters and escorts. Franks Smith asked Carol wouldn’t it be nice to have an American flag here for when the Veterans enter the building,” he shared.

Gullickson had made other wooden items for the Tomah VA in the past.

“I sure appreciate all the Veterans. Some give all, all give some,” Gullickson added. “God bless the U.S.A. and our Veterans.”