Legion to hold flag disposal ceremony on Flag Day
St. Regis American Legion Post 13 members conduct a flag disposal ceremony. (Photo provided)
Flag Day is June 14. It is the celebration and recognition of the stars and stripes.
Although it isn’t a federal holiday, it is a state holiday in Pennsylvania and New York. Flag Day started with a resolution passed by the Continental Congress in 1777 which called for an official American flag. But it took three presidents to get Flag Day on the government’s radar.
It was President Woodrow Wilson who issued a formal proclamation for Flag Day in 1916 and President Calvin Coolidge did the same in 1927. But in 1949, Congress finally approved, and President Harry Truman signed the national observance of Flag Day into law.
“It is our custom to observe June 14 each year with ceremonies designed not only to commemorate the birth of our flag but also to rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which it stands,” Truman said in his proclamation. “This beloved emblem, which flies above all our people of whatever creed or race, signalizes our respect for human rights and the protection such rights are afforded under our form of government.”
It follows on the footsteps of Memorial Day which is a day to honor those servicemen and servicewomen who gave their lives for their country. One could philosophize that Flag Day has similarities as the major part of the day is dedicated to cremating worn or faded American flags.
The U.S. flag code states that the when the flag “is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, [it] should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Scott Burrows, Adjutant for Ray Welch Post 13 in St. Regis is one of the organizers for the flag disposal ceremony next Wednesday.
“We’ve been doing it for the 10 years that I’ve been a member, but I feel it’s been taking place long before that,” he said.
Flag owners are asked to drop off their worn American flags at different locations throughout the year or to bring them to a ceremony on June 14 and invited to stay and watch the formal production.
Participants stand aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. A small fire burns beyond the rows of members, opposite the Legion commander.
The U.S. flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration. That's why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner.
“There are places who will collect them, even Home Depot, but from there they are supposed to be passed on to one of our organizations – Legion, VFW, Boy Scouts, etc. for actual disposal. Legally you can do it yourself if you do it privately and in a dignified manner. Due respect for The Colors,” Burrows stated.
The public is encouraged to become a part of this year’s ceremony which will take place at 6 p.m. at Post 13 Headquarters which is 55 Mill Creek Road.