In Solemn Ceremony—

 Boy Scouts Retire Old Flags From Service

With solemn ceremony, a group of Boy Scouts from Troop 270, based at the Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Company, formally retired from service dozens of old, worn, faded, and ripped flags at a scouting event held on the evening of Saturday, September 23, at Cherry Grove Farm, off Beaver Dam Road.

The scouts, their families, and friends had gathered at the farm for a picnic, after which skits were staged and scouting awards were presented. The activities were part of a Troop 270 campout.

The evening’s activities concluded with a solemn annual flag-retirement ceremony, in which dozens of old, worn, ripped, and faded flags were destroyed in a bonfire that illuminated the faces of those gathered in silence.

According to the troop, any flag that is ripped, faded, or is otherwise unserviceable should be retired in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.

In the ceremony, the original 13 Colonies are honored, as well as selected states. A flag’s field of stars is placed upon the bonfire to represent all 50 states of the nation.