West Bend, WI – About a dozen people turned out on Flag Day, June 14, 2023, to witness a flag-burning retirement ceremony at the American Legion Lt. Ray Dickop Post No. 36 in West Bend, WI.
Section 8(k) of the Flag Code: “The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
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Prior to the ceremony, Legion members stacked two tables, on either side of a burn barrel, with 400 tattered and damaged American flags.
Since 1937, The American Legion has promoted the use of a public flag disposal ceremony.
This ceremony is a fitting tribute and an overt expression of patriotism, which enhances the public’s understanding of honor and respect due the American flag.
The ceremony began at 7:15 p.m. and over an hour later, veterans were still on hand burning flags as there were over 400 U.S. flags turned in over the past year.