Flags to be retired at June 12 ceremony
CONNELLSVILLE – American Legion Post 301 will conduct a ceremony at Yough Park on June 12 to dispose of unserviceable American flags. Legion member Jim Smith, chairman of the Flag Day program, said that the public is invited to take part in the ceremony that will begin a 1 p.m.
Post 301 historian Dennis McKendry will begin the ceremony by offering an overview of the annual event held in conjunction with the celebration of Flag Day on June 14.
McKendry also will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
In 1937, at its 19th National Convention, the Legion incorporated the flag disposal ceremony as part of its flag education program, according to the American Legion website.
“The purpose of the American Legion in adopting this ceremony was to encourage proper respect for the flag of the U.S. and to provide for disposal of unserviceable flags in a dignified manner,” states the resolution.
The ceremony begins with the presentation of the worn flags that are inspected and then turned over for disposal by fire.
Also scheduled to take part in the ceremony is the Fairbank Boy Scout Troop 6535 and the American Legion Honor Guard.
Connellsville Mayor Charles Matthews will welcome those in attendance.
The Rev. Dennis Bogusz, Catholic Church chaplain at Highlands Hospital in Connellsville and Exela Health/Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, will offer the invocation and benediction.
The Molinaro Band, under the direction of Henry Molinaro, will provide patriotic musical selections.
Francis Molinaro will sing the national anthem for the ceremony.