Flag Day is observed annually on June 14 to honor the American flag. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the holiday commemorates June 14, 1777, when the United States approved the design of its first national flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as the official date for Flag Day, and in 1949 Congress permanently established the observance as National Flag Day. While Flag Day is not a federal holiday, Pennsylvania recognizes it as a state holiday.

The American Legion's Policy and Procedures Handbook outlines the proper method for retiring unserviceable American flags: Flags that have become worn, weathered, faded, torn, frayed, or otherwise unsuitable for display should be disposed of by burning in a dignified ceremony. The ceremony is traditionally conducted in a private setting but is open to the public and often includes participation by organizations such as the Boy Scouts. An explanation of the ceremony's purpose is provided for those in attendance.

On Flag Day, members of Ray Welch Post No. 13 of the American Legion and Lloyd Ridings Post 6238 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Superior, will conduct a flag retirement ceremony at the American Legion in St. Regis.

Lloyd Ridings Post 6238 Commander Joe Griffith said of the ceremony, “It is a great learning experience for all with flag etiquette and the retirement of damaged flags. With Flag Day following Memorial Day it has given people the chance to look at their current flags and hopefully notice fading or tears and purchase a new serviceable flag and retire their damaged flag(s).” 

Outside, weather-resistant flags of various sizes will be available for purchase following the ceremony. 

Griffith also said, “If you have doubts about a flag, bring it to us and we will inspect it.”

“It is a ceremony which is somber but gets going in a fast-paced display of inspecting and disposing the flags that are irreparable," shared Commander Vince Triplett of Ray Welch Post No. 13, Department of Montana, American Legion. 

After a call to order, Post 13 Chaplain Dave Hannah will lead the assembly in prayer at the beginning of the ceremony. Community members attending the event will be invited to participate in portions of the ceremony. The actual burning of the flags will be conducted by members of the American Legion and VFW. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and cameras.

Flags may be dropped off prior to the ceremony at Darlow's ACE Hardware in Superior, where a collection container will be provided. Volunteers will monitor the drop-off location regularly.

Superior School history teacher Vicky Nytes has worked with Post 13 in previous years to teach American flag etiquette through a curriculum endorsed by the American Legion. Students who complete the program receive recognition during a classroom ceremony. 

Nytes said, “It's important to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country and one way to honor those individuals is to also make sure that flags are handled in a respectful manner every time they are raised, lowered, and eventually disposed of. Flag Day is the perfect opportunity to once again show respect to our past and present military and our nation's flag.”

The public is invited to attend the Flag Day ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the American Legion Headquarters, 55 Mill Creek Road in St. Regis. Anyone with a faded, torn, frayed, or otherwise unserviceable American flag is encouraged to bring it for proper retirement.