Photos: Flag Retirement Ceremony in Yorktown

The held a Flag Retirement Ceremonyon Saturday, June 16, for more than 740 US Flags at the carnival grounds behind the Yorktown Fire Station on Commerce Street. The ceremony was attended by local Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops, as well as members of the fire department and town officials. 

The United States flag is "retired" when it becomes worn, torn, faded or soiled. It is replaced with dignity and respect with a new flag – the traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag.

American Legion Post Commander Al Laughlin explained to the Scouts present that many of these faded flags were collected from the graves of Yorktown's veterans this past Memorial Day and replaced with new ones. Other flags came from the local businesses and homes of Yorktown's patriotic residents.

They were flown with care and respect and that is how they are retired from service. As part of the proceedings a bugler played 'Taps' and the Scouts and Legionnaires came forward with their worn and tattered flags. The Yorktown Firefighters collected the flags and then safely placed them into the fire being maintained for the ceremony.

The quietly moving ceremony was part of the joint ceremony with the fire department to educate the public on the proper display and care of the nation’s flag including the proper disposal of worn and unserviceable flags.

Photos are courtesy of Fred Wooding and Patrick McDonough.