Photos/Submitted to The Source
A Jacksonville area “American Flag Retirement Ceremony” was held on June 15 through the combined efforts of AMVETS Post 100, American Legion Post 279 and VFW Post 1689.
These flags, and all other flags they represented, became unserviceable while flying over our country in times of peace and war, and as our nation’s men and women died defending its honor.
C.D. Davidsmeyer, Illinois State Representative for the 100th District, was present to speak to the attendees about Patriotism.
The Jacksonville Fire Department participated with the ceremony.
Boy Scout Troop 107 also helped with the ceremony and assisted with placement of the worn and damaged flags into the ceremonial flames.
Scouts and volunteers retired just under 1,000 United States flags of varying sizes and condition.
In the Jacksonville area, worn flags may be dropped off in red, white and blue boxes that have been mounted to each building by its front door at all three veteran organizations mentioned above.
The container used to safely hold the burning flags was made specifically for this purpose and was generously donated by Trevor Lahey, Lahey Machine of Jacksonville.
