Posted by National Independent Flag Dealers Assn. on 10/21/2021 to
Misc
The National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA) recently presented Susan Wells, Founder of Stars for Our Troops, with their highest honor, “The George Washington Award For Excellence.”
For over 11 years, Susan Wells has repurposed embroidered stars from retired American Flags, creating over 1 million thank-you mementos for U.S. Active Military, Veterans and First Responders.
The embroidered stars from these flags are shared as a legacy of the meaning to those that defend the flag and a Thank You for making personal sacrifices to retain liberty and freedom for all. The first stars were distributed at Albany International Airport to veterans flying on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
“I am part of our American flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that You are not forgotten.”
Stars for Our Troops is a non-profit organization located in Upstate New York, which has expanded its star-making mission, inspiring and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers across the country to create star-packets within their respective community. A very active Facebook Group page, moderated by Susan daily, offers these volunteers unlimited access to resources and support.
Susan’s dedication to the American flag, combined with her mission to Thank Veterans, Military Members and First Responders nation-wide goes above and beyond the call of duty; and the American flag industry is recognizing this service.
The “George Washington Award for Excellence” was established in 1999 to recognize an individual who has performed extraordinary service to the Flag Industry; set an example of excellence, integrity and professionalism for a prolonged period of time; share advice and wisdom with others, both inside and outside of the industry; and is interested in flags and banners, particularly the American Flag, as a symbol of patriotism and the heritage of our country.
The first recipient, 21 years ago, was Dr. Whitney Smith, the flag industry’s foremost vexillologist and the founder of The Flag Research Center in Winchester, Massachusetts. In 2015, Jeff Parness from The National 9/11 Flag Project accepted the award at the Annual NIFDA convention.
The National Independent Flag Dealers Association is a non-profit trade association, representing 90 percent of the domestic flag industry. Established in 1988, committed to the manufacture and sale of American-made U.S.A. flags. NIFDA supports its members within the flag and flagpole industry with a variety of programs, including annual conferences, the exchange of ideas, networking forums, and community outreach education.
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