The Salem Elks continued its Flag Day tradition on Saturday of providing a service to properly retire old and tattered US flags.
In the program proceeding the disposal, the Elk’s Mike Hooe noted these flags have flown majestically as a symbol of national unity and as a banner for hope and freedom.
“Today these colors are tattered and faded. They have served their country with honor and distinction. They have now reached the end of their patriotic journey. May the fundamental virtues for which they waved forever be embedded in our hearts and souls. With the service of tribute, memory and love to our faded and worn American flags, we honorable retire them with dignity and respect.”
Members of Trail Life Troop 262 then carried the flags that had been properly folded to a fire pit where they were dropped for proper disposal.
In all, more than 130 flags were properly disposed of, including three large Interstate US flags, two POW flags, and one US Marine flag.
