Retiring Old Glory

Surely the title of this column is misleading. Old Glory will never retire, no matter the level of assault, disrespect and outright hatred aimed at her. It is those very abuses of the flag of the United States of America that begs the question how would a tattered, worn or abused flag be retired and laid to rest.

Whether you like it or not our flag has waved over the good, the bad and the ugly of America and has represented the essence of our national culture, spirit and values. The flag has flown over raging battles, been emblazoned on countless objects and apparel, draped over coffins of our fallen and lowered to half-mast to commemorate the passing of a dignitary or an event of national mourning.

Photos, videos and paintings have attempted to capture the majesty of such a simple piece of cloth that means so much to so many both here and aboard but have fallen short.

Nothing can be more beautiful than Old Glory snapping in a crisp breeze, riding the winds and moving in unending waves.

As there is a prescribed method of honoring certain important people who lie in state so there is a prescribed method to put a flag to rest.

The United States Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Although the Flag Code does not actually give specifics on how to destroy the flag it is widely accepted that it be done ceremonially and with respect and dignity.

Municipal and service organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Town Halls and others make themselves available to receive and coordinate the disposal of out of service flags.

The Boy Scouts of America have an annual flag retirement ceremony – locally the Suffolk County Council of Boy Scouts of America is holding their ceremony on September 14, 2019 between 10 AM and 2PM at the H Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge – please check with your local council of BSA. The ceremony is meant to give respect and care to the mighty emblem of everything America holds dear after it has reached its’ natural end.

May Old Glory fly high and proud forever reminding each of us that the United States of America is the best country on the face of this earth.

#oldglory #flag #honor #respect