VFW retires flags on Pearl Harbor Day

Dec. 7, a day in U.S. history that President Franklin D. Roosevelt called “a day in infamy,” is the day chosen by members of the Plains Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3596 to retire U.S. and military service flags. 

Fourteen veterans from various services assembled behind the Plains VFW building to perform a ceremony that has been taking place there for over 30 years. The date of Dec. 7 has special meaning to the assembled veterans. It is a day to honor, not only the national flags, but to also honor the 2,400 military and civilians that perished during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. 

The ceremony started with Post Commander Ron Kilbury reading a prepared statement.  

“Tonight, we honor the symbol of our American freedom, the American flag, as we retire her from duty.”  

Kilbury continued after the assembled members recited the pledge of allegiance.  

“The American flag, otherwise known as Old Glory the Stars and Stripes or the Star Spangle Banner represents the land, the people, the government and the ideals of the citizens of the United States of America. In 1942, Congress passed the first U.S. code, which provided basic standards for honoring and presenting our flag. When the American Flag becomes worn, torn, faded, or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag and the old flag should be retired.”   

During the ceremony, a rendition of “Taps” was performed by veteran Randy Evans. 

This year, 156 small and 87 larger American flags were retired. Among those there were five POW, three Marine, three Navy and two other services.

    Veteran Heather Allen honors the American flag with a salute. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Veteran Randy Evans plays "Taps" during the VFW flag retirement ceremony. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Noah Hathorne, a member of the Plains VFW Post, prepares to dispose of an American flag. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)