The Salem Elks along with Trail Life Troop 262 and Girl Scout Troop 8572 conducted a flag retirement ceremony for more than 300 flags on Saturday.
The program is held yearly on the Saturday closest to Flag Day to properly dispose of torn, tattered, and worn-out flags.
The Exalted Ruler of the Elks, Mike Hooe, noted the US Flag is flown with pride and confidence as well as an inspiration to untold millions showing strength and unity.
“Today these colors are tattered and faded. They have served our country with honor and distinction, and they have now reached the end of the patriotic journey. May the fundamental virtues for which they wave be forever embedded in our hearts and soul. With a service of tribute, memory, and love to our faded and worn American flag, we honorably retire them with dignity and respect. It is at this end we submit our service-worn flags for a proper and dignified disposal.”
There were 277 regular-size US flags, 55 small US flags, and two interstate flags as well as nine POW/MIA flags that were given proper disposal along with a small number of Christian, Illinois, Marion County, US Marine, and Cubs flags.
Trail Life members Jonathon Wilson (left) and Ryan Jones (right) place one of the flags in the fire pit to be properly disposed of. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Girl Scouts Mylee Addison and Myka Gaston dispose of one of the flags. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
