Legion to host flag disposal ceremony

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

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at the Veterans Plaza on the east side of the post at 1401 Indianapolis Rd.

Uniformed emergency services officers are also encouraged to attend the ceremony.

In honor of Flag Day, the Legion conducts the service as a way to honorably dispose of unserviceable American flags.

American Legion requirements specify that a dignified service must be conducted, which 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.

Legion bylaws address that as the approved method of disposing of 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.