To retire American flags and honor their symbolism, a local Boy Scout troop in Harlem and Veterans of Foreign War held a ritual burning on Saturday morning.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 42 and VFW Post 6445 gathered to hold a solemn ceremony in accordance with a U.S. flag code, which defines how an American flag should be retired when it is no longer a fitting emblem for display.
After saluting, cutting, folding and reciting the country’s Pledge of Allegiance, scouts burned several flags collected by Harlem’s City Hall.
“The flag is far more than the red, white and blue cloth of which it is made – it’s the living symbol of our America,” said VFW Commander and legacy member Erik Averill. “It stands for the past, the present and the future of our country.”
Although flags deteriorate overtime, Averill said he believes it is nonetheless an enduring symbol that will always signify the nation’s culture and values.
“Flags do not last forever … but it is every patriot’s duty to retire an old flag respectfully,” he said. “Its stars tell of the more than 200 million people of 50 states working and fighting to keep that liberty for themselves and generations to come.”
Held every few months by troop 42, Averill said he hopes participating scouts learn the importance of honoring one’s country and traditions.
“I think it’s important for us to teach the right way to do things, especially since the flag code can be a little ambiguous, and it’s important to carry on our American traditions,” he said.
As higher ranking scouts are required to participate in more American-centered projects, Scout Master for troop 42 Arnold Gonzales said nationalism teaches the duty every citizen has to contribute to making their country a better place.
“You teach them from a young age, and it instills in them what it is to be productive to society,” Gonzales said. “BSA is one of those programs that helps encourage the youth to be a better member of society … because we are always one generation away from being free.”
For those who wish to properly retire a flag, the VFW invites locals to drop-off any at Harlem’s City Hall, located at 320 N Louisville St.
To learn about the VFW, visit: https://www.vfw.org/?fbclid=IwAR302p5A5DhJ2d8VDaSU9Erv0a_z8h50-dgt3iamv8HF9o5pc7LxSGWQ5u4
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
