Flag Retirement 2010

"United States Federal Law provides that when the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worn, torn, faded or badly soiled, it is time to replace it with a new flag, and the old flag should be "retired" with all the dignity and respect befitting our nation's flag. The traditional method of retirement is to incinerate the flag, but this does not mean that one should simply drop the flag into a fire. Today, we are not burning a flag. We are retiring a symbol of America's honor, courage, and strength."

And so began our final flag ceremony of the school year...

With the "Armed Services Medley" playing in the background, 1342 students filed out of the building and took their place around the bus loop. 100 5th graders who have served our school as Patrols were lined up and standing at attention. It was their final act of service as a Patrol this school year. 100 "Junior Patrols" were standing in formation as the honor of serving as a patrol was passed along from those who have served to those who will serve during the 2010-2011 school year.


After Mrs. Phillips completed her opening remarks, the flag team marched the new flag out to the flag pole and raised it to the top of the pole. Everyone recited the "Pledge of Allegience" and the "Star Spangled Banner" was sung by Courtney, one of my first-graders.

At the conclusion of the of the National Anthem, the flag was lowered to half-mast.

Sixteen of our 5th Grade Patrols celebrated the flag with reflective commentary while the retired flags were carried to the place where they would be incinerated. As the speakers shared their reflections, each of the 13 red and white stripes were separated from the flags and dropped into the fire.


At the conclusion of this portion of the ceremony, Andrew Bohn (a senior from Fletcher High School) played "Taps."

A moment of silence was observed in honor of the flags that were retired and for those who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces. The new flag was then returned to the top of the flag pole.

On a personal note, my father served in the United States Navy and saw combat during WWII in the South Pacific. My father passed away ten years ago and it is with great pride that I dedicate our flag retirement ceremony to him in my heart. I will never again be able to hear "Anchor's Away" or "Taps" without thinking about my daddy. Today, my mother was in attendance as her grandson (Zac) had a speaking part in the ceremony. She was deeply touched by the patriotism she saw in our students and our faculty today.

I am grateful to Mrs. Phillips for teaching our students what it means to be a good citizen of the United States of America. Teaching them to honor our country's flag is an important part of the process.

Until next time...