More than 300 flags turned in for retirement ceremony

RATHDRUM — With about 50 people on hand to watch the flag retirement ceremony on Saturday at the Rathdrum Lions Club, Bill Kinder was surprised — and delighted, too.

“Thank you, folks,” said Kinder, 1st Vice Commander of Rathdrum American Legion Post 154. “This is unbelievable. We got a great crowd. We don’t usually get this.”

Nearly 350 worn and tattered flags, far more than Kinder expected, were turned in to be retired “in a dignified and honorable manner.”

Citizens, businesses and community groups surrendered weathered flags that flew outside homes and shops and under lights in yards. There were so many, in fact, Kinder said they couldn’t burn them all that day — “or we’ll be here for another three of four hours” — and would properly dispose of the rest at a later date.

“The community has done a very fine job of getting the word out and we’re very thankful for that,” he said.

The brief ceremony was held under cool and cloudy skies. It included the presentation of colors by the Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and several salutes.

The ceremony was canceled last weekend due to rainy weather and for a time, it looked like more rain might come down Saturday, but it held off.

“I think the Almighty was looking down on us saying, ‘All right, we’ll give them a break,’” Kinder said, laughing.

As veterans, Scouts and residents looked on in silence, Jeffrey Broadhead and Michael Montee, caretakers of the fire, placed flags one by one into the flames. As one turned to ashes, another was put in its place and orange flames arose.

Both took on their responsibilities with care.

“Just making sure these are disposed of properly,” Broadhead said. “Not just thrown away or pitched aside.”

“Respect to the flag and our country and the people that died for it,” Montee said.

A chaplain offered a prayer: “To the clean and purging flame we commit these flags worn out in worthy service. As they yield their substance to the fire, may thy Holy Light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion to God and country.”

Harold Markiewicz, a 22-year Air Force veteran and Post 154 member, leaned on his cane as he stood and watched the flags burn.

He said most people have no idea what the flag retirement ceremony is about or why it is necessary.

“I hope the schools are teaching students about flag day and what burning these flags means,” he said.

Markiewicz said he was proud to be there and loves America.

“Can’t beat it,” he said. “It’s the best we have.”