Scout troop proudly retires flags
CHICORA — Boy Scout Troop 217 of Chicora retired about 50 American flags in observance of Flag Day on Tuesday evening.
Dan Serafine, a committee member for Troop 217, said people give their aging flags to the troop throughout the year to be properly disposed of at this annual ceremony, which is conducted by the Scouts themselves.
“The best way to say it would be that it is somber because (the Scouts) know the sincerity and the necessity for the ceremony,” Serafine said. “A large number we collect are from veterans’ graves from the cemetery park.”
Boy Scout Troop 217 of Chicora performs this ceremony each year to “respectfully destroy flags which have become worn out in service throughout the year,” according to Scoutmaster Evan Peterson. The American Legion Post 642 of Chicora assisted with the ceremony as well.
Ron Huff, past commander of the Legion post, said there is a box in Chicora’s post office where people can drop off aging and worn flags. Many of the flags retired Tuesday came from that box, he said.
Members of the American Legion led the ceremony Tuesday, while Scouts aided in the burning of the flags.
Serafine said the ceremony is enjoyed by the Scouts and those who attend.
“It’s sort of a joint program,” he said. “We do the retirement for them, and it’s an educational event for our Scouts and the community as a whole.”
The Legion awarded the troop $400 after the ceremony, for the Scouts’ help in performing the ceremony and for laying flags on about “26 dozen” veteran graves prior to Memorial Day.
Huff said the relationship between the Legion and the Scout troop is mutually beneficial.
“They help us with this, and by the same token it gives them more experience for their service hours,” Huff said. “It helps teach them respect for the flag.”
Logan Winkowski, senior patrol leader for Troop 217, has participated in the flag retirement ceremony for years, and said he enjoys performing service for the community.
Additionally, Winkowski said it feels good to honor the deceased.
“It’s something that helps the community and helps honor what this country was based on,” Winkowski said. “It honors the dead men and women who served in the military.”
