Andrews – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7620 held a flag retirement ceremony, with shooting teams from both Andrews middle and high school participating, on June 11.
The ceremony was an opportunity to dispose of torn and tattered flags respectfully as well as educate the public about flag etiquette.
The ceremony included raising the flag and pledging allegiance. The flag was lowered, removed from the pole and taken out of service. It was then folded into the traditional triangle and placed into a burn barrel.
There were about 50 flags retired that day. About 30 people attended the VFW ceremony, and afterward lunch and refreshments were served as part of the open house.
The American flag stands for freedom and justice. Countless men and women have fought and died under its colors. Flags do wear out and need replacing from time to time; however, it should be done respectfully and in honor of our country and its service men and women.
Flag etiquette observes specific rules and traditions.
“Any flag that is tattered, torn or no longer able to be used is actually considered disrespectful to continue to keep it flying on the flag pole,” said Scott Ramler, a leading member of VFW Post 7620.
It is also inappropriate to retire the American flag by simply tossing it in the trash. Veterans can become emotional and are hurt when they see the symbol of the country they fought for treated so carelessly.
When flying the American flag at night, proper flag etiquette is to have a light shining on the flag so it is not flown in the dark.
The flag should be taken down during inclement weather, unless it’s an all-weather flag.
They should be retired from service or flying when it becomes too frayed on the edges.
A flag can also be respectfully buried in a dignified box or recycled, as opposed to burning it, after a short ceremony. “Some organizations retire a flag by cutting the blue field out, and then cut all the stripes prior to burning it,” Ramler said.
According to USA.gov, flags should not touch anything below it or rest on the ground. When storing a flag, it should be dry, folded into a triangle with the blue section visible and stored in a well-ventilated area.
In times of national mourning, place the flag at half-mast.
The colors represent: red – valor and bravery; white – purity and innocence; and blue – vigilance, perseverance and justice.
The VFW supports veterans in the community. If a veteran has a need, the VFW can help. They also provide scholarships and help those who are not veterans, but vets are a priority.
Andrews VFW Post 7620 recently helped get six new flagpoles to replace three existing poles that were damaged in strong winds. With the help of the Andrews Chamber of Commerce, Town of Andrews, Cherokee County, Marine Corps League, Cherokee Detachment 1011, and the American Legion, the new flagpoles will be installed at Freedom Memorial Plaza behind Andrews Elementary School.
The six new poles will be for service flags will include the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. A ceremony for the service flags and new poles will be announced soon.
If a flag needs to be taken out of service and disposed of properly, it can be placed inside a flag dropoff box on the square at Hiwassee and Tennessee streets in downtown Murphy, or in Andrews at Chestnut and Main streets. For details, call Ramler at 407-718-9485.