Animal Shelter Flag has special meaning

The Oconee County Animal Shelter is not exclusive in flying the American flag daily in honor of our great Nation, but thanks to an Oconee Humane Society volunteer and U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, the flag currently welcoming visitors is very unique.

James W. Calhoun, Captain, USCG, a long-time OHS volunteer donated a flag that once flew aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter SOUTHWIND (WAGB-280).  SOUTHWIND was a Wind-class icebreaker commissioned in July 1944 and she operated in Greenland and Icelandic waters until the end of World War II. These icebreakers were the most heavily-armed ships of their size to serve during the war. After the war, all armaments except small arms were removed by international treaty so they could operate in Antarctica. She then operated in both Arctic and Antarctic waters supporting scientific research, the supply of bases such as McMurdo Station, and conducting search and rescue.

Calhoun said the SOUTHWIND’s motto was “Top and Bottom of the World.” She was decommissioned in May 1974 after 30 years of service to the United States.

A flag once was flown aboard a ship whose mission was the saving of life at sea now rightfully flies at a shelter that is dedicated to the saving of lives of homeless pets.