Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary pays tribute to veterans

The Lewes-Rehoboth Beach Rotary Club had to change its schedule for its annual Flags for Heroes campaign because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of flying its 500 U.S. flags around Memorial Day, the club switched to the two weeks around Veterans Day. Still, the club was able to raise $57,000 to support its many charitable donations thanks to the efforts of several corporate sponsors and more than 670 people who purchased medallions honoring those who are or have served in the military to be placed on the flags.

And instead of the traditional opening ceremony, club members gathered on Veterans Day along Kings Highway to honor veterans and thank those who donated to the campaign. Chuck Ward, club president, who is a Vietnam War veteran, said, “We couldn’t have a big gathering so we are putting the emphasis on the veterans. This day has special meaning to me as it does to a lot of our club members.”

This year’s medallion features a photograph of Olivia Nehrbas, the daughter of Megan and John Nehrbas of Lewes. The photograph was taken by her grandmother, Cindy Cunningham of Lewes. John, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq from 2002-07, said the family visits the flags each year. “My mother-in-law loves to take photos and this one really stood out,” he said.