Somerset Fire Department firefighters place a large American flag into a cinder barrel during Saturday’s flag retirement ceremony.
Carla Slavy I CJ
The American flag is a symbol of the freedoms enjoyed by the people of this country. However, flags are also real and may wear out with use and over time.
On Saturday, American Legion Post 38 led a ceremony honoring the flag as a symbol, while also honoringly retiring the Pulaski County flag, which is no longer flying.
Post 38 Chaplain Dean Collins led the flag retirement ceremony, which was held behind the Summer Sports Park. During the ceremony, a torn, tattered and dirty American flag was burned in accordance with flag regulations.
Dean and others at the ceremony noted that while flag burning is considered by many to be a form of protest, burning the flag respectfully is also the appropriate way to dispose of it.
Members of Somerset Fire Service were also on scene to ensure the flag was burned safely and the public and the surrounding dry autumn grassland and woodland were not at risk.
To open the ceremony, Collins led the assembled crowd in a prayer for those who serve in the military and serve as first responders. This flag represents that. ”
That sentiment continued throughout the ceremony, as many of the speakers mentioned those who lived and died serving their country.
Alan Keck, Mayor of Somerset, said: “It’s hard to come up with unique words every year, but when I attend I always seem to come back to the word ‘gratitude’.” “I am grateful to each and every one of you for your brave and kind service to our country. I know you are still proud to serve in this capacity.”
Pulaski Judge and Bailiff Marshall Todd said: “When I think of the Star-Spangled Banner, I think of American institutions, whether it’s the military branches, the Constitution that the military protects, or even the monuments you see.” When visiting. The American flag represents the best in all of us. That is the symbol we aspire to. What we are about to do today is a testament to our utmost respect and honor for the flag. ”
Speaking on behalf of first responders, Somerset Police Inspector Randall Smith told the crowd: As a veteran of Afghanistan and a law enforcement officer here in Somerset for the past 15 years, I am proud to represent the freedoms of each of us. ”
Both he and the main speaker, Somerset Community College President Dr. Carey Castle, mentioned a large flag brought in by the Somerset Fire Department and hoisted on one of the fire department’s engines as the backdrop for the ceremony. Castle said seeing it there connected him to the meaning of the event.
Castle pointed out the flag’s 13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies of the United States, and the field of 50 stars that mark the country’s current location.
Castle, an Air Force veteran, said he was deployed to many countries in the Middle East during his 26 years of service. He said he and the other men and women on duty brought an American flag and planned to display it during their stay.
SCC President Dr. Carey Castle (left) speaks with American Legion Post 38 Chaplain Dean Collins (right) before carrying the flag for burning in the ceremonial barrel.
Carla Slavy I CJ
“It gives you a very big and important sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s part of the American dream in what we represent to the world. “It feels like a club,” he said. .
Mr. Castle referenced earlier comments made by Mr. Collins about how many people often hear about flag burning in connection with demonstrations by people against the country.
“That flag is sitting right now and represents us, so it gives us and those people the right to do something stupid like that. I’m sorry,” Castle told the crowd. It’s part of what our flag says and what it means to everyone out there.”
In his speech, Keck spoke about the generations of families who continue to serve the nation. Castle and his family have a father who retired from the Air Force, an uncle who served in the Marines during World War II, one son who retired from the Army, and a youngest son who is an Air Force veteran and is currently a retired Army veteran. He pointed out that. , his granddaughter is in the military.
More than 100 flags were burned during Saturday’s flag retirement ceremony.
Carla Slavy I CJ
Collins said Post 38 Honor Guard performed military funerals for 70 men and women this year. He said the honor guard performs an average of about 100 services each year.
After the ceremony, the public was invited to remove the flag from its storage container and hand it to firefighters to be placed in a barrel.
The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute and a performance of Taps.
Collins said officials will return the ashes to the barrels and bury them after they cool.
