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Washington Evening Journal
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American Legion accepting flags in need of retirement
The Winfield American Legion will properly retire any flags no longer suitable for dignified displayed
WINFIELD — In preparation for Flag Day this Friday, June 14, Winfield American Legion Post #643 will collect worn, torn and faded American Flags for retirement.
“For people across America, our flag is a reminder of our Nation’s founding principle,” a proclamation on Flag Day and National Flag Week from The White House states. “It stands for the sacred idea that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. Our flag is also a reminder of our shared calling: to stand for the ideals our country was founded on — democracy, freedom, and justice for all. On Flag Day and during National Flag Week, we take pride in the promise and purpose represented by our Nation’s flag.”
The Winfield American Legion Post intends to do just that with worn, torn or faded American Flags in need of retirement. Anyone wanting to add a flag to the ceremony can drop them off at City Hall from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Legion will retire these flags in a solemn ceremony considering the very same code stating, “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”
The Winfield American Legion Post will retire these flags properly at a burning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Flag Day in the alley behind the Legion building on North Locust Street. The Legion Post invites the public to attend this event.
According to the United States Flag Code, “When a U.S. flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, “During an American Legion ceremony, participants stand aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. A small fire burns beyond the rows of members, opposite the Legion commander.”
The Legion Commander then inspects flags to ensure they should be discarded. It is then common in these ceremonies for a chaplain to offer a prayer.
Those participating will then salute the flag as it is retired onto a rack over the fire.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
