MATHER, CA (MPG) - “Our flag’s meaning, influence and inspiration have been passed down from generation to generation. That sacred duty has been a point of pride for many American Legion members who have instructed students on flag etiquette, performed flag retirement ceremonies and erected flags at veterans’ graves.” This quote is from a Flag Day message by the American Legion National Commander, James W. Oxford. In accordance with proper respect and procedure, the American Legion Sacramento Legislative Action Post 861 Color Guard retired the revered American flag which flew in the courtyard between the Nation’s Finest administration building and two residential buildings which house disabled and formerly homeless veterans and their families at Mather Veterans Village.  The American flag has meant so much to each MVV resident veteran while serving our country honorably, and this particular flag, has served as a reminder to them of the kindness and generosity of the many caring people who make up our Greater Sacramento Area.

Mather Veterans Village is the result of the committed and cooperative efforts of Mercy Housing, Veterans Resource Centers (now known as Nation’s Finest), the City of Rancho Cordova, the County of Sacramento, and many individuals, including Donald Harper, Cmdr., American Legion Sacramento Legislative Action Post 861 which donated televisions, and microwaves for all of the first 50 apartments, and a commercial-sized barbeque for all to enjoy. On August 31, 2016, then Mayor David Sander of the city of Rancho Cordova said at the opening ceremony of Phase 1, “Our city, once the site of an active Air Force base, is still home to over 5,000 veterans and their families. So, it made sense in 2006, to explore the feasibility of creating a village dedicated to the care and housing of our nation’s veterans. The idea blossomed into what is now Mather Veterans Village.”

As an aside, an article titled, “Army Veteran Furniture Program Serves Once Homeless Vets,” appeared in all Messenger newspapers in the April 16 editions. The article featured Frank Squire, a member of Post 861, who leads a team of volunteers who pick up donated home furnishings and deliver them to the new living quarters of previously homeless veterans, including those veterans and their families at Mather Veterans Village.

The retired flag, first unfurled at Mather Veterans Village at that opening ceremony in 2016, was furled reverently while all veterans stood at attention and presented a hand salute, as TAPS played, it was given to Post 861 Commander, Don Harper, to take to VFW post for prescribed burning. The new American flag was unfurled by the Post 861 Color Guard as Nation’s Finest line and staff members looked on, and members of Post 861 stood at attention and saluted as the Star Spangled Banner played. The entire ceremony, organized by Post 861 member, Bob Fitzgerald, was extremely moving and memorable.

For more information, please visit us on Facebook at American Legion Sacramento Legislative Action Post 861, or contact

Ernie Larson, Adjutant: (916) 483-7162, [email protected].  Nation's Finest website is www.nationsfinest.org