On Sunday, November 11, 2007, American Legion Post 41, VFW Post 9760, and Boy Scout Troop 34, held a Ceremony for the Retirement of Flags. The ceremony was held in Rose Hill Park with more than 200 flags retired. About fifty residents attended the ceremony.
The United States Flag Code states: “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” This burning occurs during a formal ceremony conducted by an approved flag disposal organization. Several hundred unserviceable U. S. Flags were collected and properly destroyed in this solemn ceremony.
Part of the service included describing the importance of each of the flag’s colors. The red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of our country. The white stripes represent purity of purpose, thought, word, and deed. The blue field is for truth and justice.
Based on the large number of flags collected, citizens need a way to properly “retire” their unserviceable flags. We hope that this will become an annual event. The Post extends thanks to Boy Scout Troop 34 for conducting the ceremony and providing this service to our community.
