The VFW Post 6362, VFW Auxiliary Post 6362, The American Legion of South Pittsburgh, TN, and Scouting America of Jasper, TN, participated in a Flag Retirement Ceremony on July 27 hosted by The VFW Commander, Bob Collins, and his wife, June (Auxiliary Member), at their residence. Despite the heat, the ceremony proceeded.
One of the flags was separated into 13 stripes and 50 stars for a special commemoration. Each participant had a stripe and/or star and a prepared fact about which state the stripe or star represented. The fact was read aloud, and the stripes, stars, and background were all burned separately.
The remaining flags were cut into quarters in advance by the Scouts and carefully packed into baggies. According to the Scout Commander, a flag ceases to be a flag when cut in such a manner. Four volunteers were asked to participate, and they were handed a piece of the flag to place in the fire. Each piece was completely burned before placing the next.
