On Tuesday, October 28, members of VFW Post 4982 held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Clarkco State Park.
Bro. Dennis Coats opened the event in prayer before Post Quartermaster David Morgan took over to explain the details and significance of what they were doing to properly retire several United States flags.
“As you can see, we have set aside a place of honor, a vacant chair. Today this ceremony is dedicated to all the members of the military who have fought to keep our land free, more especially to all the fallen heroes, both those who suffer from serious injuries and those who have given their lives in defense of our great country, to include those missing in action and prisoners of war,” explained Morgan. “We as Americans forget so quickly. Let us not forget these sacrifices and let us not let our leaders take us in a direction that will reduce our freedom. Let this day be a rallying point that can be magnified throughout our country, a rallying point which will bring our nation back to a path to personal freedom, a stronger military, and a closer walk with our Lord and Savior, the only true path to eternal life. Throughout the years, our flag, Old Glory, has been a rallying point, for you see, our flag was born on June 14, 1777, and has lived for almost 250 years. It has stood strong through every war, natural disaster, and internal strife this great nation has suffered. Our flag is much more than cloth shaped through design. It’s the refuge of the world’s most oppressed people and a silent sentinel of freedom and the emblem of the greatest sovereign nation on Earth.
Today, we will be retiring flags that have been deemed no longer serviceable or displayable. We have proclaimed that each of these flags today have served well. Each has inspired those who desire the taste of freedom and have represented hope to those oppressed by tyranny and terror. These flags have welcomed any and all in the name of liberty. They have flown free to the wind above residential porches, Christian churches, campsites, businesses, and so many other facilities around our country.
Old Glory is the most displayed and recognized banner in the world. It serves as a constant reminder to all of us that we live in a country where our freedom has been deeply purchased by blood, sweat, tears, and the ultimate sacrifice. We must not forsake what those in the service of this flag and their families have forfeited. It is a symbol of our country. It has gone into every battle since the beginning of the United States, from the American Revolution to the current War on Terror. It has flown over attacks that were never declared, such as the attacks by the terrorists at the World Trade Center in New York. In all the horrible events, we the American people, have stayed strong and true to the values that our flag represents.
These wonderful flags have fulfilled their duty to our country becoming worn, tattered, and threadbare. We want to retire them here tonight with honor. We shouldn’t be sad about the retirement of these flags because we are releasing her spirit that she can continue to serve in our thoughts.
The United States flag code states, ‘The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem or display shall be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.’
You will notice tonight that the flags are taken apart, the red and the white stripes, and finally the blue field with the stars, separated by these parts. The red stripes represent the blood spilled in the defense of our glorious nation, for all of the men and women who have died in the service of our country, both as members of the United States forces and everyday citizens, valor and bravery. Let us now retire the red stripes. The white stripes symbolize the purity in all of our hearts and the honor that each of us should show in all that we do in our everyday lives. It signifies the burning tears shed by Americans who have lost their sons. Together, the red and the white stripes represent the 13 original colonies, colonies that began our young nation. Let us at this time retire the white stripes. Finally, the blue field with the stars signifies justice for all, as well as vigilance and perseverance. It’s indicative of God and the Son Jesus Christ, Heaven under which it lies, the stars clustered together, unifying 50 states as one for God and country. The reason we do not cut the blue stars field is it represents the union of the 50 states, and we should never let the union be broken. At this time, please retire the blue field.”
The ceremony ended with a closing prayer by Bro. Dennis Coats.
