Members of Cub Scout Pack 82 and Boy Scout Troop 83 held an American flag retirement ceremony on Sept. 19 at the West Earl Lions Club Park in Talmage. The Scout groups usually hold an annual flag retirement ceremony in observation of National Flag Day, June 14, but this year they opted to postpone the ceremony to align with COVID-19 regulations.
The Scouts took part in a campout the night before the ceremony, but the main event of the weekend was the flag retirement ceremony. Josiah Hoover of Troop 83 served as master of ceremonies. Cub Scouts Riley Mull of the Bear Den, Tayler Dennis of the Wolf Den and Xzavier Pringle of the Webelos served as the honor/color guard. In preparation for taking on this role, they learned why Old Glory is important, how to respect the flag, and how to properly dispose of it when the time is right. They learned that, according to the U.S. Flag Code, when American flags are torn, tattered, discolored, old, or otherwise in need of replacement, it is best to retire them in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
Members, leaders, and families from both groups also participated in this ceremonial event.
For more information on Scouting, readers may contact the Pennsylvania Dutch Council at 717-394-4063 or visit https://beascout.scouting.org/ to find a Boy Scouts of America group in their area. Groups that often accept donations of American flags for retirement include Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Lions Clubs, American Legion groups, and local government entities.
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