MONTPELIER: June 14, 2014- Kevin Motter, Commander of the Montpelier Chapter of the American Legion Post 109 along with Denny Keesbury, Commander of the Montpelier VFW Post 944, conducted a flag disposal ceremony at the post on June 14, in conjunction with Flag Day recognition. Assisting in the ceremony were post members Jerry Keesbury and Orren Vanzile of Montpelier.
The ceremony was conducted by members of the disposal team inspecting each flag, acknowledging the flags were no longer fit for display and ready for disposal. After a final salute, disposal of the flags was then completed by placing each flag over a ceremonial fire and burning them until all portions of the flags were fully burned.
The purpose of holding an official disposal ceremony is to provide respect for the flag and dispose of old and unserviceable flags in keeping with published guidelines. Those guidelines may be found in Chapter 1, section (8) sub-section (k), of the United States Flag Code. The code states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferable by burning.” Commander Motter defined “no longer fitting for display” as a flag with frayed edges, excessively sun-bleached flags, and flags that are ripped or torn. Commander Motter also stated that “the American flag should always be displayed in pristine condition and should be inspected frequently by those who display the flag to ensure it is good condition.” Motter also commented that the Post will continue to honor the flag and conduct disposal ceremonies each year at the local post. This year’s ceremony was accompanied by the reading of the American Legion 2014 Flag Day Message, read by Commander Motter to the citizens in attendance.
Each town throughout the area has a local chapter of the American Legion and conducts flag disposal ceremonies annually. Those interested in dropping off a flag for disposal may contact the local chapter in your community. Members of the community in Montpelier who have flags that they would like to deliver to the post for disposal may drop their flags off at the post drop off. Other locations in Montpelier for flag drop off are the Montpelier Police Department, the Montpelier Village Library and the American Legion/VFW Post on Empire Street.
The American Legion in Montpelier holds flag disposal ceremonies annually during June, on the Saturday before Flag Day. This year’s ceremony marked the 4th year the post has held the annual disposal and it will continue to uphold this tradition each year.