PHOTOS by Mark Andreasen / CLICK to enlarge and view at your own pace

By Paula Pyzik Scott

CORRECTION J.D. Fleece is the president of the VFW Auxiliary.

How many times have you seen a U.S. flag baking under a hot sun or stretched out in a brisk wind? The flag is considered a living symbol of the United States of America, but the fabric and thread that are the physical means of displaying love of country fade and wear under those conditions.

On November 24, Ada’s Ream McElroy VFW Post 9381 provided a community service by hosting a U.S. flag retirement ceremony. The post at 2147 State Route 235 held a gathering where veterans, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and community members could participate in a ceremony to retire some 100 flags.

Participants gathered for hot dogs and drinks, followed by a 6:00 p.m. ceremony including prayer and reflection, the placing of flags on the fire, the playing of Taps and the Pledge of Allegiance.

VFW Auxiliary President J.D. Fleece noted that the VFW Post needed to wait until the corn in the adjacent field was harvested to allow for a fire. He said that the turnout was amazing, especially given the short notice required.

Burning is the proper method of retiring a U.S. flag. The elements of the ceremony detailed above are required, as well as the safe management of a fire large and hot enough to thoroughly turn the flag to ash. Fleece noted that the ceremony included flags collected over several years.

The VFW provides additional information on U.S. flag etiquette HERE.