As the flames grew taller, the smell of burnt cloth wafted through the air, and Boy Scouts and veterans in Middleburg saluted as they watched the American flags turn to ash.
“These flags have become faded and worn over the graves of our departed comrades and the soldier, sailor and airman dead of all our nation’s wars and conflicts,” said Bob Straub, commander of the Middleburg American Legion Post 52, during Sunday’s flag disposal ceremony.
The Middleburg ceremony at Fireman’s Field was one of several Flag Day events in the Central Susquehanna Valley on Sunday. A similar ceremony, sponsored by the Elks, was held in Danville.
“We pay particular honor to the flag and dispose of it in a proper way,” said Straub. “We pay a tribute to our nation’s emblem. We hope people will follow patriotism. ... The Stars and Stripes are the primary representation of our nation.”
Assisting the Legion members were members of Boy Scout Troop 415, of Middleburg, consisting of boys ages 11-18.
“(The ceremony) is very solemn, very impressive,” said Phillip Knepp, assistant scoutmaster. “It’s something of respect. ... We want the boys to learn about proper treatment and proper way to dispose of the flag.”
Knepp, who started the flag-disposal ceremony 10 years ago as his Eagle Scout project, said there were about 500 flags to be burned. Those came from cemeteries and the community.
The veterans and Scouts hold the ceremony in Snyder County every two or three years.
“We’re always giving back to the community,” Knepp said. “We get involved in other community organizations, and show that some kids do want to help and give back.”
He said it’s also good for the boys to learn the importance of the treatment of the flag and its proper disposal. After all 500 flags were burned, it was required that the fire be allowed to burn itself out and the ashes buried.
In Danville, members of the Elks No. 754 also held a ceremony.
“It’s remembrance of the American flag and what it means, what it should mean to everyone,” said Wendy Smeal, loyal knight for the Elks.
The Danville Community Band played throughout the ceremony held in Memorial Park on Bloom Road, with songs for the residents in attendance to sing as well as various songs for each of the six different flags that were discussed. A history of each flag was presented.
Girl Scouts helped at the presentation, holding the various flags as their descriptions were given. Anna Schafer, a 10th grade student this fall at the Danville High School, was the guest speaker.
Scott Davis, exalted ruler of the Elks, said the ceremony has been held by the fraternal organization annually since 1911.
“We just want to honor our country’s flag,” Smeal said. “It’s the rebirth of American — renewed awareness.”
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Ceremonies held to retire Stars and Stripes
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