Retired with honor
<p>VFW member Don Lynch pauses before he retires a flag on Saturday. Saturday was Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and Boy Scout Troop #46 along with Horse Plains VFW Post #3596 teamed up for the annual retirement ceremony.</p>
PLAINS – A number of people braved the cold on Saturday during Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to retire flags brought in by the local community.
Boy Scout Troop #46 along with Horse Plains VFW Post #3596 worked together to retire the flags.
As the ceremony began, Sanders County Deputy Noah Hathorne read to the crowd and illustrated the meaning of our nation’s flag.
“The blue field is indicative of vigilance, perseverance and justice,” said Hathorne. “The vigilance to protect man’s freedoms, the perseverance that rejects all defeat and justice - the goal of free men everywhere.”
He went on to say the blue field on the flag embraces all 50 states as one, unifying the nation for the good of mankind.
“As we retire the blue colors, let us ponder the future and what it holds,” read Hathorne.
Approximately 15 people gathered, battling the frigid temperatures to honor the flags. The group grabbed the folded flags and placed them into a barrel of flames, retiring each flag one by one.
Once the assembly line of volunteers retired the flags, Hathorne continued.
“The flag that stands for the greatest nation on earth, I am no more than what you believe me to be and I am all you believe I can be. I am what you make me and nothing more,” read Hathorne. “As long as men cherish liberty more than life itself, I shall continue to be the enduring banner of the United States of America. Look at her with renewed allegiance, honor her, respect her and defend her.”
Hathorne called everyone to attention and as people either saluted or placed their hand over their heart, an instrumental version of Taps was performed.
Once the music had finished, the ceremony was concluded and the people in attendance scattered to warmer places while the barrel of burning flags continued to burn.
The flag was not the only event to honor Pearl Harbor, the VFW Auxiliary Club also hosted a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The event took place at the VFW and offered a free meal to veterans in attendance.
Other members of the community were encouraged to attend although they did not eat for free.