A day that will be remembered and was made famous by President Roosevelt’s iconic speech, “YESTERDAY, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

On that solemn date each year, veterans of VFW Auxiliary 3596 meet to retire a symbol that so many Americans served for, suffered for, and died for, the American flag. Post Commander Ron Kilburg was on hand to read the flag retirement ceremony prayer.

“The American Flag, otherwise known as “Old Glory,” “The Stars and Stripes,” or the “Star Spangled Banner,” represents the land, the people, the government, and the ideals of the citizens of the United States of America. 

In 1942 Congress passed the first U.S. code, which provided basic standards for honoring and presenting our flag. When the American flag becomes worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be retired. 

There is no set method for the retirement of the flag, but it is generally known and strongly suggested that if the flag no longer adequately represents America, that it be retired, preferably by burning. 

The ceremony took place behind the VFW building in Plains, where veterans quietly and in a single file retired 104 flags, with two being POW flags, one Coast Guard flag, one Navy, one Air Force, one Confederate, one thirteen-star flag.

    Lewis Dolan retires a flag. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Charee Fielders retires her grandfather's flag. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)