As we prepare to celebrate the service of our veterans, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is honoring all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who have served during the Global War on Terrorism by rededicating the APhA Flagpole Memorial on Monday, November 12, during a ceremony at APhA headquarters.

“APhA staff and leadership treasure our relationship with our colleagues in uniform who serve our country selflessly every day,” said APhA Executive Vice President and CEO Thomas E. Menighan.  “We also treasure the home of pharmacists on our National Mall and are pleased to use it as a platform to honor our pharmacist service men and women!”

This rededication, which is the second update to the flagpole memorial, will recognize the service of all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in uniform as well as those who performed civilian services.

The original APhA Flagpole Memorial, dedicated in 1948, was a gift from Henry A.B. Dunning, chair of APhA All-Pharmacy Headquarters Building campaign. The bronze drum around the base of the flagpole depicts pharmacists in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.

In May 1993, the flagpole memorial was rededicated to recognize the service of pharmacists during the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf conflicts.

Pharmacists have served on, and impacted, our nation’s military forces, beginning with the U.S. Revolutionary War, when Andrew Craigie was named the first Apothecary General. The flagpole features four scenes depicting medicines used in times of war.

To learn more about the history of the APhA Flagpole Memorial and pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who served in the armed forces, click here.