A Flag Day tradition: SC Veterans honor Old Glory by burning flags

Other popular ways of observing this holiday include: flag-raising ceremonies; Flag Day services; school quizzes and essay competitions about the American flag; musical salutes; street parades; and awards for special recognition.

Ralph Green wells up every time he raises the US flag.

“It’s a passion for me”, she says, “If these people didn’t do what they do all of the time, we can’t fly this flag”.

Neilson said that making America great begins with the choices we make each day to do the right thing with our given freedoms.

“This flag has served its nation well and long“.

She said a common myth is that a flag must be retired if it touches the ground. It will later be disposed of properly.

Also, Milo Wyandt, a World War II veteran and recent Honor Flight participant, was present and showed the lodge a flag that was presented to him by his family in honor of this honor flight trip. Boy Scout Troop 123 of Lenexa, Kansas was there, collecting flags to be destroyed in a dignified manner. Anyone who is interested in participating can call and get more information, or come to a monthly meeting.

The flag represents pride, pride of place, pride of country and the pride that comes from being in some faraway foreign land and catching a glimpse of the stars and stripes.

Outside The Flag Store near Brodheadsville, Bob Smith from Kresgeville was picking up a batch of American flags from the disposal box. “It’s out of respect for our country and what our flag stands for”.

National Flag Day is celebrated and recognized all across the country, in schools, on television, on radios, and in newspapers.

Those who wish to dispose of their flag can drop it off at the American Legion in Springville; the Marion American Legion, 625 31st St.; or other local American Legion posts.

“All you have to do is give them to any veteran’s organization when they become worn, frazzled, faded or dirty”, he said.

In the chapter’s heyday years ago, the Post had more members and burned more flags.

Flags now fly from Atlantic Street south across the Main Street bridge thanks to Ruthe Riehle, Program Administrator for the city IDA, and the donation from the Legion.

Boy Scout chapters around the country hold the similar ceremonies for the same objective.

DeBord said the event differed from traditional ceremonies for veterans because it was more hands-on.