70 flags retired during VFW ceremony
NOAH HATHORNE, JR. brings a retired flag to the fire. (Lisa Larson/Clark Fork Valley Press)
A YOUNG Boy Scout brings a retired flag to the fire. (Lisa Larson/Clark Fork Valley Press)
DON LYNCH brings a retired flag toward the fire. (Clark Fork Valley Press photos)
NOAH HATHORNE, JR. readies a retired flag for the fire. (Lisa Larson/Clark Fork Valley Press)
NOAH HATHORNE, JR. prepares to place a retired flag on the fire. (Lisa Larson/Clark Fork Valley Press)
NOAH HATHORNE, JR. places a retired flag on the fire.
STAR SCOUT Noah Hathorne, Jr., presents a flag along with his father, Scoutmaster Noah Hathorne. (Lisa Larson/Clark Fork Valley Press)
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, as America took note of the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Plains Wild Horse VFW Post No. 3596 was busy with an annual activity of its own.
Members of the VFW post conduct their annual flag retirement ceremony traditionally on Dec. 7 to coincide with Pearl Harbor Day, and this year was no exception. Under the leadership of Post Commander Doug Browning, the post and members of Boy Scout Troop 46 retired 70 U.S. flags that were worn out and no longer proper to fly.
Quartermaster Joe Eisenbrandt said scout members participated in the ceremony and Scoutmaster Noah Hawthorne, who is also a VFW member, gave a presentation.
The VFW has long taken a leadership role in demonstrating and teaching flag etiquette, and the national website, www.vfw.org, has ample information about the subject.
In August 2000, at the VFW 101st National Convention in Milwaukee, VFW delegates passed a resolution establishing a U.S. flag disposal program for posts to conduct, privately or publicly.
“The VFW feels individuals are responsible for maintaining the U.S. flag in their possession, however, as a public service some VFW posts have special details assigned for gathering and disposing of worn national emblems,” the website notes.
The flag should be folded in its customary manner, the VFW advises. It is important that the fire be sizable and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
After the flag is placed on the fire, those attending can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
After the flag is completely consumed, the fire is then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
In Plains the retirement ceremony is conducted outside the back door of the VFW in the organization’s spacious parking lot.
This year the auxiliary unit of the Plains Wild Horse post served a spaghetti dinner as a fundraiser. Eisenbrandt estimated about 50 people attended.
The Veterans of Foreign Wards traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans’ pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.
Anyone wanting to dispose of a flag during the coming year can drop it off at the VFW, 201 Lynch St. in Plains, or call 406-826-5960 for further information.