Paying last respects
First Vice-Commander Larry McCarty salutes back to Sergeant-at-Arms Ken Koplin as Koplin presents the flags to be retired for inspection with Boy Scout Richard Roloff.
REBECCA PETTINGILL/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Ken Koplin put the first of dozens of flags into the fire on Wednesday just after the retirement ceremony concluded. Respectful cremation such as performed by the Legion is the appropriate way to dispose of worn-out U.S. flags.
The U.S. Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” While the code has been declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, many patriotic organizations still utilize it as the standard for their traditional retirements.
EPHRATA — In honor of Flag day on Tuesday, American Legion Post 28 held its annual flag retirement ceremony.
“It is not just a piece of cloth,” said Jane Montaney, Unit 28 Americanism Chairman.
She explained that the flag represents the nation, what our nation stands for and every single person who serves the nation.
According to the American Legion’s national website, the white on the flag signifies purity and innocence; the red, hardiness and valor; and, the blue vigilance, perseverance and justice.
U.S. Army drill sergeants also often refer to the red stripes on the flag representing the blood shed by those who have served in the nation’s armed forces.
The flag retirement ceremony is the proper way to show respect for our nation, Montaney said.
The ceremony involved six individuals; the Commander, Sergeant-at-Arms, First Vice-Commander, Second Vice-Commander and the Chaplain along with a boy scout as part of the ceremonial detail.
In a specific routine, Ken Koplin who is the post’s Sergeant-at-Arms presented the unserviceable flags for inspection to the Second Vice-Commander, Dale Best, First Vice-Commander, Larry McCarty, and finally the incoming Commander Kim Thomas.
The routine included saying what purpose the flags have been used for and why they are unserviceable.
“Comrade Commander, since these flags have become unserviceable in a worthy cause, I recommend they be honorably retired from further service,” Best said during the ceremony.
Boy Scout Richard Roloff assisted as part of the detail and Chaplain Don Deycous offered a prayer.
At the end of the ceremony, a bugler played taps and then the flags were cremated so that they were destroyed according to the U.S. Flag Code. While that law was ruled unconstitutional in the 1990 U.S. Supreme Court Case, United States v. Eichman, government entities and organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars still follow the code out of tradition and respect.
Montaney encourages anyone with a flag that needs to be retired and disposed of, to contact their local veteran’s organization and they will be able to facilitate the proper disposal.
She also encouraged those who fly flags regularly to take them down and wash them about once a month to keep them clean. While doing so they can also mend any tears they notice to make the life of their flag last longer.
Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.
