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Special to the Advance

The Billy Glenn Rushing Post 90 is holding a flag retirement ceremony Sat., April 26, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The ceremony and retirements will be held behind the old American Legion building located at 101 W. Church St. in Atmore.

Adjutant Paul Chason said stop by and witness the ceremony or bring a flag and participate in the dignified retirement of Old Glory.

Chason said those who want to participate and do not have a flag, that’s OK. The American Legion has plenty, he said.

Chason added that a thanks goes to the Leadership Atmore Class of 2024 that donated the flag drop-off receptacle.

Chason said they have received hundreds of flags that need retirement.

“Many Americans proudly fly the U.S. flag at their homes and places of work, but what do you do with it when it’s old and ratty and you’re ready for a new one?” Chason said. “Don’t just throw it in the trash like any other old item — that’s considered disrespectful. Just as there’s etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there’s also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner. An American flag should be retired when it’s no longer in a condition fit for display and should be disposed of in a dignified manner, preferably by burning. This typically happens when the flag is faded, torn, frayed, or otherwise worn out.”

The American Legion passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies in 1937, and they’ve been an important ritual ever since, he said.

According to the resolution, “The approved method of disposing of unserviceable flags has long been that they be destroyed by burning.”

The U.S. flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration. That’s why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner.

Chason said the ashes of all retired flags will be permanently contained in the Flag Vault located at Cheaha State Park.