VFW leads disposal of retired flags

VERNON — The American people adopted the red, white and blue symbol of stars and stripes as their flag on June 14, 1777. The first Flag Day on June 14 was celebrated on the 100th anniversary of that adoption on June 14, 1877.
Remembering June 14, Flag Day, the Vernon VFW Post 8441 offered residents and area businesses the chance to properly and respectfully retire their tattered, faded and damaged American flags on Saturday June 24. Post and auxiliary members, residents, Boy Scouts from Troop 183, Girl Scout Troop 96609, and Vernon Township firefighters watched as upwards of 500 flags were burned and destroyed with dignity.
A short message by Post Quartermaster Bob Constantine reminded the gathering of 50 about the proper disposing of the American flag. Post Chaplain Russ Thomas offered a prayer. Thomas also commented on the stability of the Vernon post, citing that Post 8441 celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016.
The burning enclosure was donated by Earth Care Septic Service and the metal grid was donated by R.J. Phillips, both of Vernon. Explosives specialist and post member Tom Gundlach handled the remote ignition and supervised the flag burning. It took several hours to reduce the many flags to ashes.
Complimentary hot dogs, beverages and dessert were available at the post after the ceremony.