STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 hosted a U.S. flag retirement ceremony Saturday, focusing on the proper way to retire worn and damaged American flags.
The ceremony took place at the DAV headquarters in Glasgow, where members and community participants gathered as flags were respectfully retired.
Matt Mutter said they try to have a retirement ceremony each year. He said it has been two or three years since the last ceremony because they wait until they have enough worn flags, and there have been burn bans in place.
Mutter explained that American flags should not be thrown in the trash or discarded casually. He said there are specific rules and guidelines for flag retirement, including the use of a respectful burning ceremony.
After the ceremony the ashes of the flags are gathered and buried. Mutter said that step is part of following the proper regulations for complete and respectful disposal.
The ceremony also showcased a new fire pit used for the retirement of the flags.
Boy Scout Troop 661 headquartered in Glasgow, led by Scout Master Alex Warren, built the new pit as part of a project, replacing an older burn area on the grounds.
Mutter said they plan to hold another flag retirement ceremony next year, if conditions allow and enough flags have been collected. Anyone with a worn or damaged U.S. flag can bring it to the DAV headquarters in Glasgow to be retired respectfully at a future ceremony.
Check out a few photos from the event.
Key Facts
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 in Glasgow hosted a U.S. flag retirement ceremony at its headquarters.
• Organizers say ceremonies are typically held about once a year when enough worn flags are collected.
• Summer burn bans and timing have limited ceremonies to every two or three years.
• DAV members emphasized that U.S. flags should not be thrown away but retired following proper guidelines.
• Ceremony includes burning flags respectfully and later burying the ashes, according to organizers.
• A local Boy Scout unit built a new fire pit used for the ceremony as part of a Scout project.
• DAV Chapter 20 leaders say they hope to hold another flag retirement ceremony next year.
• Community members can bring worn or damaged U.S. flags to DAV Chapter 20 to be properly retired.
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