American Legion Post No. 3 celebrated Flag Day on Tuesday, June 14 by respectfully burning one of their own.
“I am glad we had a chance to do this today,” said Commander Roger Merchberger, colors of red, white and blue waving high in the background.
East wind gusts limited the ceremony to the safe burning of just one flag, but Merchberger said was more about what it represented.
“These flags are a symbol of all the men and women who have died defending it," said Merchberger. "These flags reminds us of our freedoms.”
The official Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is outlined in Resolution No. 440, passed by the 19th National Convention of The American Legion in Sept. 1937.
Financial Officer Bill Henderson served as acting Sergeant-at-Arms to recite the resolution with Merchberger, Vice Commander Bob Lovin and Chaplain Carl Eagle.
Eagle led participants in prayer. Then, Henderson called his detail to attention for Lovin to inspect the flag.
“These flags have become faded and worn over the graves of our departed comrades and the soldier, marine, sailor, and airman dead of all our nation’s wars,” Henderson said, stepping one pace forward to salute.
Once inspected by Merchberger and Lovin, the flag in question was determined to be unserviceable.
“I recommend that it be honorably retired from further service,” Lovin said, receiving Merchberger's approval to ignite the flames in a west facing burn barrel.
"Comrades, we have presented here these flags of our country which have been inspected and condemned as unserviceable," said Merchberger. "They have reached its present state in a proper service of tribute, memory and love."
The post commander was happy to have conquered the wind to burn at least one flag deemed to be “unserviceable.”
“I hope to keep this tradition alive and going, because it is important to remember where the flag came from,” said Lovin. “It is up to us to educate the public.”
Merchberger thanked all in attendance.
