The Veterans Rest Camp at Big Marine Lake, Marine on St. Croix hosted a Ceremony on 8 June for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags. The American Legion adopted a resolution in 1937 for the ritual of destruction of unserviceable American Flags in a dignified manner. Flag Day is recommended as the most appropriate day on which to annually hold this ceremony. Since Flag day is next Friday June 14th, the Veterans Rest Area hosted this years ceremony on 8 June. Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 led the event with Posting of Colors, Presentation of Flags for Disposal, Inspection of Flags, Certification that the flags are unserviceable and finally with the burning of several thousand flags collected by Legions and VFWs across Washington County. Commander Tom Grezek, Vice Commander Bob Dolan, Vice Commander Dale Johnson, Russ Bentley represented Woodbury American Legion Post 501 at this event. What a moving and dignified tribute to our proud American Flag.

 

 

Vice Commanders Bob Dolan and Dale Johnson await the start of the ceremony.

 

Thousands of American Flags are piled awaiting dignified disposal.

 

Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 Color Guard

 

American Legion Post 501 members awaiting the start of the Flag Disposal ceremony.

 

Flags are presented for review to Vice Commanders to ensure that they are considered unserviceable.

 

Members of local Boy Scout Troop stand with the Flags

 

Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 Bugler

 

Flags are ignited to dispose of them.

 

Thousands of American Flags are disposed of in ceremony at Veterans Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake.

 

Forest Lake American Legion Rifle Squad stands at attention during the Flag disposal ceremony.

 

Flags of all sizes from many places across Washington County are disposed of during this ceremony.

 

View more photo galleries by Post 501 in Woodbury, Minnesota