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, conducted a flag retirement ceremony at the American Legion in St. Regis.

Lloyd Ridings Post 6238 Commander Joe Griffith said in advance 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).” 

“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. 

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 American Legion and VFW Posts of Mineral County held an American flag retirement ceremony on Sunday evening, June 14, Flag Day. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)