Flag Retirement Ceremony
by Loretta Rodgers
More than 50 people attended a solemn American flag burning ceremony which took place June 14 at the Green Ridge Fire House.
Organized by Mike Kane, Squad Commander of the Sons of the American Legion #926 and Cub Scout Pack #77 Committee Chairman Ed Gane, the event included opening remarks by Kane and Commander Cy Yost of American Legion Post #926.
The ceremony began with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a POW/MIA ceremony, official readings related to the proper retirement of an American flag, and the actual retirement ceremony conducted by members of Post #926 and a scouting flag retirement ceremony conducted by Troops #225 and #292 as well as Pack #77. Members of the local Girl Scouts were also on-hand for the event.
“The ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt,” said Kane. “I appreciate all of the people who came out for this event. This occasion really brought the community together.”
Girl Scout Rachael McCullough donated the first flag to be retired, which came directly from Mount Vernon, the Virginia estate of President George Washington.
Following the cutting of the flags, they were burned and the ashes were buried at the foot of the flag pole at the fire station.
“I think it went off very well, said Gane. “When it was over, Mike and I immediately began talking about doing it again next year.”
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