American Legion to hold flag retirement ceremony

EPHRATA — American Legion Post 28 in Ephrata will hold a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, according to the post.

A flag retirement ceremony allows owners of flags that may be tattered or torn to dispose of them honorably. Dirty flags can be washed or dry cleaned, the post pointed out, but flags that are in disrepair should be disposed of properly.

The United States Flag Code states: “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Boy Scout Troop 41, also of Ephrata, will assist the Legionnaires with the ceremony.

Flag Day was officially established by presidential proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 and ratified by an act of Congress in 1949. It commemorates the adoption of the U.S. Flag by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. It is also recognized as the birthday of the U.S. Army.

Anyone who has a damaged flag to dispose of may bring it to the American Legion post at 276 Eighth Ave. NW, Ephrata. More information is available from post Chaplain Mike Montaney at 509-989-4417 or the post’s Unit Americanism Chairman Jane Montaney at 509-760-1443.