Area veterans commemorate Flag Day with solemn ceremony

Each year, Flag Day is observed on June 14, commemorating the adoption of the American flag in 1777. The flag represents the Unites States, with 13 horizontal red and white stripes for the original colonies, as well as a blue rectangle bearing 50 white stars, representing the current 50 states in the nation. Originally used as a military sign, today, the flag means so much more to so many. Flying from houses, businesses, churches, schools and cemeteries, the flag is a symbol of patriotism and devotion to a free nation.

On Tuesday, June 7, area veterans from Tuscarawas County came together to not only honor this holiday, but properly dispose of unserviceable flags they have acquired throughout the past year.

The Tuscarawas County Council, with representatives from eight area American Legion posts, held an outdoor ceremony at the Sugarcreek Sportsman’s Club.

With a folded flag in hand, the Sergeant-at-Arms presented the Comrade Commander with unserviceable flags for inspection, explaining that the flags have become faded and worn over the graves of departed comrades and dead soldiers, sailors, and airmen of all the nation’s wars. Some of the flags had also been used as display in public places, but nonetheless, were ready to be retired.

After being inspected, the county commander, John Croft, recited, “A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze or a beautiful banner of the finest silk. Its intrinsic value may be trifling or great; but its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our comrades have worked for and lived for and died for – a free nation of free men and women…”

Following a formation from the Color Guard, the chaplain offered a prayer. “We thank Thee for our country and its flag, and for the liberty for which it stands… As they yield their substance to the fire, may thy holy light spread over us and bring to our hearts renewed devotion to God and Country.”

Veterans, boy scouts and firemen placed flag after flag into the fire, while guests at the ceremony solemnly stood by watching.

The disposal ceremony is held annually, in observance of Flag Day, to retire and destroy each faded flag in a respectful and honorable manner.

“This way, we dispose of them in a manner where they can’t be picked up and desecrated improperly,” said Croft. “We don’t want them being used for anything else.”

Charles Strizak, first vice commander of the 10th district in Ohio was in attendance at the ceremony and commented on the allegiance that so many veterans in Tuscarawas County and throughout Ohio have to their post and at ceremonies like the one on June 7.

“The legionnaires are great. I’ve been to a lot of posts, national conventions, state conventions… They are very dedicated,” Strizak said.