Public invited to Flag Day ceremony at Greencastle Legion Post

Tuesday, June 10, 2014
The American Flag and state flag of Indiana wave proudly atop the flagpole at the National Guard Armory in Greencastle earlier this week.

American Legion Post 58 in Greencastle invites the public to attend its Flag Day ceremony on Saturday, June 14.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the new Veterans Plaza on the east side of the post at 1401 Indianapolis Rd.

Post Commander Rod Gaffney said the public is encouraged to come and witness the flag ceremony and also enjoy a fried chicken dinner hosted by the Women's Auxiliary from 5-6:30 p.m. prior to the ceremony. The cost is $6 for a two-piece dinner and all the trimmings.

Gaffney also explained the Legion's flag-burning ritual.

"Requirements set forth by the American Legion specify that we have a dignified service," Gaffney said, "and that entails some scripted conversation between officers as well as some choreographed movements."

A small fire will be built beforehand, he noted, and the ceremonial flag will be placed on the fire.

American Legion bylaws address that as the approved method of disposing of unserviceable flags, noting that the flag-burning ritual is designated as the official ceremony for the disposal of unserviceable American flags.

The Legion's purpose in adopting the ceremony was to encourage proper respect for the flag and to provide for disposal of unserviceable flags in a dignified manner.

A resolution adopted by the Legion in 1944 states that retirement of American flags that have become unserviceable may be done in public with respectful and honorable rites, and recommends Flag Day, June 14, as the most appropriate day to annually conduct the ceremony.

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