On the evening of September 10, 2016 the Sons of the American Legion began the Carbon Valley Week of Remembrance with a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Firestone Public Works area. The Firestone Public Works area was used due to the large number of flags (3000 +) that required retirement. The American Legion is a main acceptance point for American flags that need to be retired, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) also collects American flags for retirement. The V.F.W. brought about 300 to 400 additional flags to the ceremony and flags were still being accepted from individuals at the ceremony. In addition to the American flags, we also had Colorado state flags, and POW/MIA flags that had been turned in for retirement. Most flags were either 3’x5’ or 4’x6’ and many smaller American flags, but there were also many of larger sizes. Several in the 12’x18’ size and even a dozen or so Garrison sized flags. A Garrison sized flag, approximately 20’x38’, required several people to carry and keep off of the ground. The ceremony was opened by the Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) Squadron Leader Joel Long. His ceremony opened with the National Anthem and then a salute to the not only the American Flag, but also the Colorado State Flag, the S.A.L. flag, the POW/MIA flag, and the 5 Services (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force & Coast Guard) flag. One part of Joel Long’s presentation that was a key point for many people was the burning of the American flag. Although this is seen in many cases as being disrespectful, and when done in protests and demonstrations it is; this is the proper method for retiring an American Flag that has seen its last days. The flag should be burned in a respectful manner, saluted or addressed properly as it begins to burn, and then the ashes should be buried when the flag is completely consumed. At the beginning of the ceremony two flags are selected to certify that all of the flags have been examined and meet the standards for retirement. These are the first two flags that are burned. Following this part the ceremony moves on in a dignified manner with respect being shown to all flags burned. Following the Flag Retirement ceremony, the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion provided a free Chili Dinner at the Post. The meal was homemade chili, salad, corn bread, and condiments for the chili.

 

 

Opening Statements

 

Instructions on Flag Handling

 

The First flags are burned

 

Some flags are larger than others

 

Many members of the community helped

 

A chili supper afterwards is always nice

 

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