The American Legion Post 117 will host a flag retirement and folding ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10, in the legion’s parking lot, 413 S. Main St.

According to Gordon Kennedy, a Legion member for 23 years, the ceremony involves burning a flag, which Kennedy said is the proper way to retire a flag.

“I have a huge metal pan that was made back in the 1950s,” Kennedy said. “I will take all the flags that need retired and put them in, soak them with kerosene, then we will light them up.”

Local police and fire departments have been notified about the burning.

The event will be done in partnership with Boy Scouts Troop 39 of Meridian. The scouts will cut each flag into the 13 strips, which will be laid on top of the pan.

Kennedy said he has around 200 flags that need to be retired, which have come from a variety of sources, including residents and flags off the graves of veterans.

“I don't want to see a flag thrown in the garbage,” Kennedy said. “They need retired. If you have a flag, I'll come get it from you. It's just to show respect.”

Kennedy said there is a box at the Legion where members of the community can drop off their flags.

“I like bringing in the community to show them how to retire an American flag,” Kennedy said. “If you've never seen it, come on down. It's a little passion of mine.”