Scouts retire Stars and Stripes

MOSES LAKE — As the daylight faded, the crackling fire was the only light and the only sounds were of mooing cows and the passing traffic on Highway 17.

So was the scene Friday night, as 14 Boy Scouts from six different troops in Moses Lake gathered with family, friends and a few special guests to retire old and worn American flags in a ceremony as part of their traditional overnight camp, now in its 11th year.

Boy Scout unit commissioner Barbara Jorgensen provided information from the United States Code stating that the flag, when it is in a condition where it is no longer fit for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. When burned, it should be reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a flag.

Twenty-four flags were retired at the ceremony Friday.

The Boy Scouts of America and the American Legion are the only recognized organizations who can officially retire a flag in a ceremony, as well as a number of organizations for girls, said Boy Scouts committee member David Ames.

Ames explained that the American Legion typically performs their ceremonies as close to Flag Day as possible, and the Boy Scouts once a year during Blazer Day Camps, typically scheduled close to the end of school.

The flags were properly folded before the ceremony.

"One of the requirements as Boy Scouts is to be able to fold a flag," Ames explained, so he includes that as part of the ceremony. Before the flags are burned, they are unfolded and draped into the fire.

"The flag is a symbol of our country, and we can't just throw it away," Ames continued. "What we are doing is placing the flag on the equivalent of a funeral pyre. It's served its country the same as an individual would serve his country, and it's being retired in that manner."

Ames said he has been participating in flag retiring ceremonies for about 10 years.

"It's a rewarding ceremony," he said. "It's a very touching ceremony. As I've done it through the years, I've noticed the other people that are doing it for the first time are often moved."

Jorgensen echoed Ames' comments.

"When we start retiring the flags and the flags are burned, it's to be completely silent for respect for the flag," she said. "I think the boys really get a better feel for patriotism."

The flag flying over the camp during the day was donated by the O'Sullivan Grange. It had flown over the United States Capitol building at the request of Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District. Still in good shape, it will now fly during the camps for the foreseeable future, Jorgensen said.

"When we heard about this group and their 11-year-old camps, we thought it would be a good thing to give it to them, because then they can use it as a learning example of what the flag means, and they can teach them respect and honor for that flag," said O'Sullivan Grange program director Miles Douglass, explaining that a program is in place where any citizen can contact their congressman and buy a flag that has flown over the Capitol building.

The ceremony also included a guest presentation by Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Reeder, commander of the 6250th U.S. Army Hospital in Fort Lewis, and his father, two-star retired major general Richard Reeder. Jorgensen said she was looking through magazines for inspirational stories to share with the Boy Scouts and give an idea of what is sacrificed for the country and the flag.

"I thought to myself this morning, 'This is ridiculous — we have some wonderful people here in Moses Lake who have served in Moses Lake,'" she said. She called Reeder if he had any experiences he would like to share, and Reeder offered to attend the ceremony, bringing along his father, mother, wife and children as well, all of whom were accomplished in scouting, Jorgensen said.

"I was impressed," Gen. Richard Reeder said. "I have never been involved in a retiring of the colors ceremony like that, and I was really impressed with it. I have just thoroughly enjoyed the evening."

Lt. Col. Robert Reeder said he had been involved in Scouting for many years.

"Very touching, very impressive," he said of the ceremony. "I've seen it a couple times, and every time, it just really kind of sends a chill down your spine as you think about everything that's happening."

"To have Col. Reader and the general here is an amazing treat for us, because they've served for so many years for our country, that I hope that the boys will get a feel for the sacrifice that they've made, and that their families have made, so that they could serve," Jorgensen said.

"It was sad and it was interesting to me, because I've never seen it happen before," said scout David Harris of the burning. "They told us that they were doing it on purpose, to respect (the flags), and it's a thing that they've done for a long time."

"I thought it was sort of cool, because we've done stuff like this when my grandpas died," scout Chris Smith said, adding that both of his grandfathers had been in the military.

Ames said people with flags in need of disposal would probably find it easiest to contact the American Legion.