Final Honors for Old Glory

Above, veterans Dave Labonte and Bob Markunis at the Franklin VFW.

Earlier this month, a group of Franklin veterans and volunteers met at the Franklin VFW to perform a painstaking but important task in the final retirement and eventual incineration of American flags that have reached the end of their service.

With good sharp scissors, they careful disassembled they key components of the flag such as the ‘field of blue’ with its bright white stars, separating it from the red and white stripes. The process, makes it no longer an American flag but a collection of components, thought its final incineration by the town, with guidance from veterans, is still important.

Why all the effort?

Just as there's etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there's also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner.

Rules on how to properly fly the flag were established in June 1923, when the National Flag Conference met in Washington. Its members created the Flag Code, which states that "the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."

The American Legion passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies in 1937, and they've been an important ritual ever since. According to the resolution, "The approved method of disposing of unserviceable flags has long been that they be destroyed by burning."

The U.S. flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration. That's why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner.

Above, Jim Gurganus

In addition to the formal rules, veterans have special feelings about the flag which remains an important symbol of identity and sacrifice. Particularly in the past, for example in the Civil War, troops were led into battle with an American flag and the flag bearer – in effect the leader of a whole body of soldiers – was tasked with keeping the flag held high and visible so that all could see where their unit was and how it was moving. Innumerable flag bearers, an obvious and important target, paid with their lives for the honor of carrying the flag and when a bearer fell, another would often voluntarily grab the flag to protect it and carry it forward.

Thus, the flag has become a potent and meaningful symbol for many.

NOTE: Flag disposal bins are maintained outside the Town Clerk's office in the municipal building and at the Veterans office in the senior center.

Above, Franklin Veteran Services Officer Shannon Nisbett and

VFW Commander  Ernest Carruthers.

Above, Legion Commander Dick Hynes on the left and Gerry Bradie