AJ Dolan
A member of Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 brings more flags to the rack for disposal during the Post’s annual Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, June 14.
SOLON — This past Saturday, the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 celebrated Flag Day with an American flag retirement ceremony. The ceremony consisted of a brief speech from Post Commander Adam Hopp, followed with the presenting of American flags by Sergeant at Arms Denny Hansen, in which they are deemed unserviceable and in need of retirement.
A flag retirement ceremony, as is held annually by the American Legion, is a process in which a visibly worn-out American flag is disposed of. The disposal of said flag is done by being draped over a large wire rack over fire, allowing it to ignite in flame.
“This is the only approved method of disposing of the American flag,” said Hopp. “Any time that it is worn or faded, as it is a symbol of our nation’s freedom, it is not fit to be flown.”
As the ceremony proceeded, it was clear to see that it was done with honor and admiration of our nation’s colors.
“We do the ceremony, after inspecting all of the barrels of flags… to ceremoniously and officially make sure that all of the flags are disposed of properly,” said Hansen.
If you have an American flag in need of retirement, drop it off at American Legion Post 460 for the sake of disposing of it properly and respectfully.