Horse Plains VFW hosts flag retirement ceremony

The mood was one of respect, somberness and remembrance.

It was a time to say goodbye to a symbol they continue to honor with pride in what it represents.

In the end 178 flags were given their final salute and proper disposal in the Horse Plains VFW Flag Retirement ceremony last week on a chilly night in Plains.

The flags were incinerated in two blazing barrels as members of the VFW took turns respectfully tossing the triangular folded banners into the fire. The annual rite is deemed the proper way to dispose of flags who have served their purpose on poles and buildings across the state and nation.

Flags with signs of wear and tear are among the reasons the flags are retired in such a manner.

Heather Allan, Quartermaster at the Plains VFW, said this year’s ceremony, which is held annually in conjunction with Pearl Harbor Day on Dec. 7, was slightly smaller in the number of flags incinerated but just as meaningful to those who served their country.

“We didn’t have as many this year but it was a good ceremony nonetheless,” Allan said of the gathering held in the parking lot behind the VFW. “It is a time of remembrance for veterans everywhere.”

This year’s flag ceremony featured 16 service flags representing the various branches of the U.S. military, 55 American stars and stripes flags, two Montana state flags and two flags honoring prisoners of war and/or missing in action.

There were also a host of miniature flags and one very large 40-foot by 50-foot American flag from the fairgrounds.

The ceremony included opening remarks by VFW leadership and Taps as presented by Allan. The gathering recited the Pledge of Allegiance and bowed their heads in prayer for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to their country.

One by one the veterans carefully held, then released the flags into the inferno as they circled around the two burn barrels. And in true military fashion, one of the VFW leaders was true to “next man up” form when he stepped in at the last minute for a fellow leader who was not able to participate.

Matt Wachsmuth, Vice-Commander of the Plains post, read opening statements in what he said was his first flag retirement ceremony.

“I’ve never been to one of these,” Wachsmuth said. “It was hard to read what I did and not get teary eyed and speak with a crackling voice”.

He added that the flag has special meaning to veterans.

“It means a lot to the men and women who have raised their right hands and sworn to defend, with their lives if necessary, the flag and what it stands for,” he said. “We owe it this much respect.”

Another veteran attending the ceremony was Plains resident Dan Johnson, who served as a helicopter mechanic, gunner and other duties with the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

“This flag means everything to a lot of people in this country,” he said. “Nowadays it seems like only half the country care about the flag. To those of us who love and respect the flag, retiring it in this way is a good thing.”