BAGLEY — America’s 250th birthday served as the perfect time for the Bagley American Legion to perform the solemn duty of retiring U.S. flags that are no longer usable in a dignified flag disposal ceremony.
American Legion Irvin Blix Post 16-Bagley Commander Jeremy Swenson conducted the ceremony and the dignified disposal of the tattered and worn flags. During the ceremony, the flags were each inspected. If deemed unserviceable, the flags were presented for disposal.
Once burned, Commander Jeremy Swenson concluded the ceremony, stating, “A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze or a beautiful banner of finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great, but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we have worked for and lived for, and died for — a free nation of free men and women, true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practice of justice, freedom and democracy.”
Flag disposal ceremonies are often held annually on Flag Day. However, other major holidays and milestones are also used.
“At some point, every flag will reach its end. It will become faded, the wind will cause the fly end to fray, tears and stains that cannot be repaired or cleaned may happen. Flags that have reached this stage are no longer the emblem it once was,” a release said. “Flying a tattered flag honors no one. The act of replacing it is an act of respect.”
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Most American Legions, VFWs, Scout Troops and civic organizations — such as city halls, Elks Lodges and libraries — across America have proper containers to bring flags to be retired. The receptacle at the Bagley Legion is located on the right side of the foyer upon entering the building.
The United States Flag Code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. ‘Dignified’ means the retirement is treated as a ceremony, not a chore. ‘Preferably’ acknowledges that burning is the tradition. A flag retired with care and respect has been retired correctly.”
The “Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags” was passed by the 19th National Convention of the American Legion in September 1937. This ceremony has been an integral part of the American Legion since that time.
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