Though it is a difficult for most of us to think of burning an American flag it is the appopriate way to dispose of a worn out flag.
I still have the flag my parents proudly flew in front of their home with it's 48 stars. They never replaced it with a new one as it "went with the house." I also hold dear the flag given to me at Arlington Cemetary at my husband's funeral. Though I will never burn either of these flags I realize that most people don't realize that burning our flag with dignity is the appropriate way to retire Old Glory.
They burned the American Flag this week, but there were no protestors, no chants, no one angry at the state of our country, but instead a solemn lesson in respect. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Thursday that Boy Scout Troop 641 conducted the annual flag decommissioning ceremony this week at Spring Grove Cemetery. The Scouts tended a ceremonial fire of ash and oak, and slowly burned the worn, faded flags with the dignity that they deserved until all 300 flags had been reduced to ash. I’d like to commend these Scouts for this lesson in citizenship to all of us.
As a Navy vet, I truly appreciate those who desire to fly the flag and honor our country. It represents so much more than just a piece of cloth waving in the wind. There are so many sacrifices supporting our freedoms that Old Glory symbolically represents. When your flag starts showing signs of wear, please do the honorable duty of retiring your flag through the appropriate local organization. Start with the American Legion. Most posts have an annual decommissioning ceremony. If you live in Warren County and can’t find someone to take your flag, just give us a call or email and we’ll help!
Liz and I hope you have a fantastic July 4th weekend, while remembering what the holiday is about!
And to quote the sergeant from Hill Street Blues: “Let’s be careful out there!”.
Flag burning photo courtesy of The Surveyor, Flickr.com
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Elizabeth & William Spear
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Cindy, you're our first reblog! I actually lived in Woodbridge when I was in 5th/6th grade, I think Columbia Road was the name. Nothing fancy, we were there for a little over a year, then my dad transferred again.
Liz and Bill-this is worthy of multiple re-blogs. So many folks don't understand not only how to dispose of our flag but even how to display it correctly. Thanks for sharing and congrats on the google juice!
Nice reblog, Cindy. I have never seen one of these ceremonies and don't even have an American flag. That's because I have nowhere to hang it. My father definitely instilled in me the proper flag etiquette.
Thanks Cindy. The scouts in Cincinnati should be commended for a beautiful service. I'll bet it is something those young people will remember for a long time.
Have a wonderful 4th. I'll be at Arlington for a visit to my parents grave.The 4th of July was my mothers birthday.
Best MB
Chris Ann-I learned it as a girl scout and then a military wife.
Michael-It sounds as if the 4th of July has special memories for you. Have a safe weekend.
Cindy, I had forgotten about how to dispose of tattered and torn flags. I do remember thinking how wrong it was to see an American flag still flying in disrepair. This was a great post.