While many American flags will be flying in Seward over the July 4th weekend, the one in front of Concordia's Weller Hall is likely among those that traveled the farthest. The last time it was raised it was half a world away in Iraq to honor the students, faculty and staff of Concordia.
The gesture was made after Concordia's Student Worship Committee coordinated the sending of a banner full of signatures to encourage the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Iraq. The father of two current Concordia students, Rev. Dr. Mark S. Nuckols, serves as the Army Reserve command chaplain of the 316th.
Nuckols' commanding officer, Brigadier General Gregory Couch, had the flag flown at the joint forces installation. In an e-mail to Concordia's President Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Nuckols thanked everyone for the "kind gesture and for your faithful prayers for me, my unit and our mission here in Iraq."