Retirement policy for an American flag recommends that when the flag is worn beyond repair, it should be burned in a simple manner with dignity and respect. For several years now, Boy Scouts of America, Troop 83, Leola, has held a fall ceremony to retire flags in accordance with this policy. Although no ceremony was held in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, on Oct. 11 of this year, the Scouts, along with five veterans and more than 20 other members of the community, met at the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA) building, 54 W. Main St., Leola, to hold a retirement ceremony for flags that had become too tattered to fly.
Scoutmaster Steve Eddy opened the event by welcoming those who had gathered and honoring the veterans who were present and asking for a moment of silence to honor veterans who had passed or who had given their lives for their country.
Scout Ryan Slezak was master of ceremonies for the event. He led the honor guard to the front of the building, where worn flags were replaced with new ones. When the group returned to the main hall, Aidan Nash, Troop 83 chaplain aide, gave the invocation. He noted, "We know the flag is a representation of what makes America so special - the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," and he offered thanks to all those who have sacrificed for the country.
Rep. Keith Greiner addressed those gathered, thanking all for their commitment to honoring the country through the flag retirement ceremony. "Our flag is a powerful living symbol at home and around the world," he said. "Many have fought for it and died in the name of freedom. It's appropriate to put it to rest in a fitting and dignified manner."
Veteran Charlie Letteer, Troop 83 committee chair, extended his thanks to veterans for their service and discussed his own service in the Air Force. He mentioned highlights of his service, including the Air Force playing football against Penn State in the 1970s.
During each flag retirement ceremony, the Scouts cut a flag into its separate parts as a symbolic retirement for all the flags that would be burned in the fires behind the building. As the Scouts cut the flag, Life Scout Josh Fidler spoke about the importance of destroying the flag in a dignified manner, noting that the red stripes stand for valor and bravery, the white stripes for purity and innocence, and the blue canton for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. He added that red stripes remind us of bloodshed and the white stripes remind us of the tears shed by those who lost sons and daughters. Fidler also read "Remember Me" before the group moved to the back of the building, where the firepits were prepared to receive the retired flags.
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