Bay Legion retires 800 flags

American Legion Post #385 Commander Stan Zeager inspects a portion of the 800 flags the Post retired on Flag Day. Photo by Jim Potter

American Legion Post #385 in Westlake retires flags twice a year, Flag Day and Veterans Day. On June 14 this year, the Post retired more than 800 flags, many of which came from local cemeteries plus those provided by residents.

Flags are retired using full military honors, which begins with an inspection by the Sergeant at Arms, the Second Vice Commander and the First Vice Commander. Each inspection includes a description of how the flags were used: to mark the graves of those who died in defense of their country or those flags flown over buildings or homes. After the Commander determines that the flags have served their appropriate purpose, he will ask the Post Chaplain to offer a prayer over the flags then release the flags for retirement by fire. Taps and the national anthem are played as all in attendance salute the flags.

Residents can deposit old, torn or faded flags at the Post home, 695 Cahoon Road, anytime throughout the year. There is a red, white and blue box in the front of the Post home for the flags.

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Volume 8, Issue 12, Posted 9:36 AM, 06.21.2016