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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