Flag retirement ceremony to be conducted in Lake City

The Wilbur Jones Post 73 of The American Legion will conduct a flag retirement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ronald McNair Memorial in Lake City.

The public is invited to attend and to bring unserviceable United States flags that they wish to have properly retired. Collection of flags will begin at 5 p.m. on the day of the ceremony. The formal ritual normally takes about 30 minutes.

The sovereignty of The United States of America is symbolized by our flag; therefore, it deserves the respect of all citizens to properly maintain and display it in a proper manner. In due course flags, however, become worn and damaged beyond repair. The Flag Code, as revised and adopted by the Congress of the United States, affirms that when a flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it is to be disposed of in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

Since 1937, The American Legion has promoted the use of a public flag disposal ceremony to provide a suitable method for retirement.

All veterans of U.S. military service are asked to participate in this ceremony by being part of the inspection and review committee. The public is invited to attend. Over the years, the flag retirement ceremony has been a memorable and moving experience for all who have attended.

If you have any questions, call Jim Haynes, Post Adjutant, Wilbur Jones Post 73, The American Legion, at (843) 687-6231.