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Proper flag disposal is one of the patriotic duties VFW Posts conduct nationwide. For those never witnessing an official flag retirement ceremony, here is an example of one held July 4, 2004, in Winslow, Ariz.
Winslow VFW Conducts Flag Retirement Ceremony
By S.J. Wilson,Winslow Mail
"Comrade commander, we wish to present a number of unserviceable flags of our country for inspection and disposal."
Thus began a very special ceremony conducted by VFW Post 3076, Winslow, Ariz., on the afternoon of July 4, 2004. Approximately 40 people attended as Ron Gibbs, post commander, directed the ceremony.
"A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze, or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our comrades have worked for and lived for, and died for--a free nation of free men, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of justice, freedom and democracy," reads a formal program from Washington D.C.
"Let these faded flags of our country be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites, and their places be taken by bright new flags of the same size and kind, and let no grave of our soldier or sailor dead be unhonored and unmarked. Sergeant-at-arms, assemble the color guard, escort the detail bearing the flags and destroy these flags by burning."
VFW Chaplain Milton Baca blessed the flags to be retired thusly: "Almighty God, captain of all hosts and commander over all, bless and consecrate this present hour. We thank Thee for our country and its flag, and for the liberty for which it stands. To clean and purging flame we commit these flags, worn out in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may Thy holy light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion of God and country. Amen."
Winslow Mayor Jim Boles said he appreciated how they [the VFW] were holding this ceremony, and that this is the only kind of flag burning that he approves of.
"There are people who burn the flag to show their disapproval of this country and out of disrespect," Boles said, but pointed out that in this ceremony the flag is being retired because it is no longer in good condition and appearance to represent the country.
Post Commander Ron Gibbs said that 78 flags were retired and that each individual who attended the ceremony were given the honor of retiring a flag.
Robyn Gibbs, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said that the flags were obtained from businesses and other individuals of Winslow.
"The police department, fire department, Wal-Mart, the VFW Post and other businesses brought in flags. Others came from people here in Winslow who flew them at their private homes," Ms.Gibbs said.
"We don't like to use the term 'burning,' " she continued. "It's actually against the law to burn a flag. You can actually go to prison for burning a flag."
"I was glad to see some young people there," Boles added. "By witnessing and participating in this ceremony, there is an indication that the flag is due respect and is to be cared for properly--and when it is no longer able to be used, then it needs to be retired with honors."
Boles was given the privilege of retiring the first flag. Here is his description of the ceremony:
"We first were escorted to pick up the flag. Then each individual was escorted to the burning site where there was a container of kerosene. The flag was partially dipped in the kerosene and then dropped in a barrel prepared for that purpose," Boles said.
Boles offered his appreciation to the fire department for providing a unit and man on hand to ensure that the fire did not get out of control.
Reprinted with permission of the Winslow Mail, Winslow, Arizona.
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