Hart County American Legion to Celebrate Flag Day With Retirement Ceremony

Today is Flag Day, when Americans commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

The Flag Resolution stated “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.

Today in Hartwell, the American Legion Post 109 is hosting/hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

The ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on the square in downtown Hartwell on June 14 at 11 a.m.

American Legion Post 109 commander James Fulghum said they are retiring one flag to represent all of the flags in the country that are no longer serviceable.

An American Flag that is no longer serviceable is ripped, tattered, or faded over time by the weather.

It should be replaced with a new flag.

According to the U.S. Flag Code, the proper way to dispose of an American Flag is to:

1. Fold the flag in the customary triangle manner.
2. Prepare a fire large enough to burn the flag completely.
3. Place the flag in the fire.
4. witnesses should recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute while it burns.
5. End the ceremony with a moment of silence before burying the flag’s ashes.

However, a safer alternative to burning the flag is to donate it to your local government or other organizations that accept it.

In Lavonia, the Boys Scouts have placed a flag donation box at Lavonia City Hall on the side of the building near the fire department.

According to the Flag Code, you also have the option to respectfully bury the flag.

To properly bury your old flag:

1. Fold it in the ceremonial triangle
2. Place in a strong wooden box
3. Bury it a few feet in the ground.

And similar to burning the flag, make sure to handle it with care and consider its meaning as you bury it.