Veterans retire hundreds of American flags
Karen Peterson photo
Veterans retire old worn flags in a respectful burning ceremony in celebration of Flag Day.
Karen Peterson photo
John Miller of the American Legion and Marine Corps League goes through the proper steps to retire a flag.
Karen Peterson photo
A pile of flags lie ready to be retired.
Karen Peterson photo
Karen Peterson photo
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POLSON – Many learn in grade school that to show respect to the American flag it shouldn’t touch the ground or be burned — but there is an exception.
“There is a difference between burning a flag and retiring it,” said John Miller, member of the American Legion and Marine Corps League. “Respect is the difference.”
It was the end of the road for many American flags after flying over airports, businesses and homes last week as they were respectfully retired in a burning ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery, performed by many military veterans of the American Legion.
“This is one of the rituals we perform every year,” Miller said of the Flag Day ceremony.
An estimated 300 flags were collected at the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Elks Lodge over the year for the ceremony.
“I’ve been involved with the veterans since 1992 and I’ve never seen a collection of flags this big,” said Mike McCloud, American Legion and Air Force Veteran. “That says something about the involvement people have around here.”
McCloud remembered a quote he read recently that summarized how he feels about the flag: “The flag is more than a symbol, it is the country. Any time you see people holding up a flag on a battle field, you understand that.”
The ashes from the flags are also respectfully disposed of and the grommets removed.
“The grommets are good luck,” Miller said.
In attendance at the ceremony were Marine Corps Veterans John Miller, Jack Mitchell, Mauri Morin, Rick Marquart, Ernie Butt and Chuck Lewis; Navy Veterans Jim Sivelle, Rich Beauchamp and Roger Rasmussen; Army Veterans Jeff Nelson and Jerry Roat; and Air Force Veteran Mike McCloud.
