U.S. flags were burned here Sunday evening, though not as a means of protest.
Boy and Girl Scouts laid one after another of the flags on a bonfire just feet from Elks Lake, confined by the rocky bluffs of the old Lehigh quarry, in a retirement ceremony of flags tattered, worn and in need of replacement.
Kyle King, representing the Elks, and Dick Perkins of the Iola American Legion had roles leading up to the retirement, which was in observance of Flag Day, officially Tuesday.
“There is no better symbol of our country’s values and traditions than the flag of the United States,” King said. “Its radiant stripes and celestial stars ensure protection of our land and liberty and testify to its glorious victories.”
He gave a brief history of the flag, how the number of stars and stripes grew through the years to represent the original colonies and states and how they were added to the union. President Eisenhower’s executive order on Aug. 21, 1959 put the 50th star on the flag when Hawaii became a state.
“While there have been many versions of our flag, its meaning stands as true today as it did back then,” King said. “It’s the glue or the fabric that ties us all together in one common bond.
“Our flag exemplifies the profound commitment to freedom, equality and opportunity made by our founders more than two centuries ago.”
Perkins ordered the retirement, which consisted of each flag being unfurled above the bonfire’s flames before being lowered and quickly consumed.
A quartet of Andy Dunlap, Dan Johnson, Bryan Johnson and Tom Wheat added to the solemnity of the ceremony with stirring a cappella renditions of the national anthem and patriotic songs.
IN A RELATED activity, members of the Prairie Rose 4-H Club and Sunflower Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers will collect worn U.S. flags for retirement in a July ceremony.
Flags may be taken to Emprise Bank, Moran, through Saturday. Citizens State Bank, Iola, will have a flag collection box available June 20-30. Those unable to carry flags to either bank may call 620-754-3840 to arrange for pickup by a member of the sponsoring organizations.
