Veterans, Residents Pay Tribute at Flag Burning Ceremony

The Western RI Civic Historical Society hosted its annual Flag Day Ceremony on Friday to honor our country's stars and stripes, while allowing residents the opportunity to reverentially dispose of their own worn or tattered flags.

A group of Korean War Veterans set up a barrel-style charcoal grill in the CCFD Station 3 parking lot across from the historic Paine House on Station Street in order to probably dispose of the flags. While the fire was being prepared, guests from throughout the community were entertained by the women's a cappella chorus group "All In A Chord", who performed the National Anthem and "Let There Be Peace On Earth"; and South Kingstown paramedic Frank Capaldi who played "Taps" on the trumpet.

In addition, Girl Scout Susan Read of Troop 653 Coventry read patriotic poem, "My Name is Old Glory", which recounts the vast history of the flag and what it stands for in the eyes of Americans.

Many residents, including Pawtuxet Valley Preservation and Historical Society of RI President Charles Vacca, brought piles of American flags to the ceremony, which were then inspected by the Korean War Vets color guard who deemed them "unserviceable and should be fittingly retired", before placing them one-by-one into the flames for the burning ceremony.