By Karen Haave
More than 200 worn American flags were retired last week in a reverent ceremonial burning conducted by the Peotone American Legion and Scout Troop 315.
According to the United States Department of Defense, a U.S. flag is retired when the fabric symbol is beyond repair. Although it is not illegal or considered disrespectful to fly a worn or tattered flag, the United States Code advocates that a flag that is no longer a fitting emblem for display should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
A 1937 resolution from the American Legion explains how disposal of flags should be performed.
“Flag retirement is a time-honored tradition in Peotone,” Scoutmaster Robert Wilcox said. “The Scouts of Peotone have worked with American Legion Post 392 for a long time by folding flags that are no longer serviceable and being a part of the American Legion’s flag retirement ceremony.
“This helps our youth learn to respect and honor the American flag, and the Scouts are happy to ‘do a good turn daily’ in helping to support the American Legion and Peotone.”
Post 392 Commander Irv Darnall conducted the ceremony, assisted by Sergeant-at-Arms Doug Lileks and Chaplain Reverend Terry Krouskoupf. In addition to Wilcox, Pack 315 Committee Chair Teresa Martz, Pack Leader Dawn Ramirez, and Girl Scout Leader Mary Ann Drexler participated.
Scouts participating were Josh D., George D., Casey H., Ollie H., and Griffin A. (Scouting regulations prohibit publication of the children’s last names.)
Opening comments were given by Commander Darnall and Sergeant-at-Arms Lileks.
“Also assisting our commander was Service Officer Bob Krueger,” said Richard Bolanowski, Adjutant, American Legion Post 392.
“Scout Leader Bob Wilcox led a line of Scouts to the flag burning area. After a tribute to our Flag by Service Officer Bob Krueger and a prayer from Chaplain, Rev. Terry Krouskoupf, ‘Taps’ were played, while the Scout Leader and a Scout slowly and respectfully placed the first flag into the fire.
“Then each Scout placed a flag into a burn canister, followed by others in attendance until each flag was properly retired.”
The ceremony was held on the training facility at the Peotone Firehouse on West Joliet Road. Bolanowski noted fire prevention district staff assisted in setting up the burn pits and participated in the retirement of flags.
Worn flags are collected year around at the Peotone American Legion, 109 E. North Street.