“We thought it would be really important to see the proper way to retire a U.S. flag that’s no longer fit for display,” Spilman said.
The ceremony was coordinated for Monday since it was Flag Day.
A metal fire pit was set up to burn the flag. The ashes were scattered along the tree line of Harbin Park near the Civitan.
Scouts were led from the Civitan Club through a path connecting the club and park. The Scouts, who range from first- to fifth-graders, donned yellow camp shirts, which marked the Dan Beard Council’s 100th year in Scouting.
The campers were sitting with legs crossed watching the solemn ceremony.
Four Boy Scouts stood in front of the fire with a white rectangular bucket containing a cut-up flag. Troop 974 Scoutmaster Scott Kunau told the young Scouts there is no set way to retire a flag, but the United States Flag Code states it “should be destroyed by a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
“We are drawn together in the sight of God to pay our last respects to the symbol of our great nation,” Kunau said.
The Boy Scouts of America guidelines dictate it should be burned thoroughly and completely in “a modest, but blazing fire.”
“We the American people have stayed true to values that the flag represents,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Don Ebding. “We should always value the sacrifices that have been made for our flag and the country that it represents.”
“Our flag today stands as a symbol of hope, flying in the name of piece and brotherhood of man,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Nick Silvestri. “It’s a tribute of the accomplishments of yesterday and the dreams and hopes of tomorrow.”
About the Author
