Plover VFW Post 10262 conducts flag retirement ceremony

By Patrick Lynn

Plover Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10262 conducted an American Flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The event was held at the home of Post member Donald Mugridge to properly and respectfully dispose of the flags.

Following a prayer by Post Chaplain Frank Raschka and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a flag inspection and committal ritual was conducted by Post Commander Norb Strasser.

“This flag was inspected, and along with the others, is condemned as unusable as an emblem of our country. Old Glory, we give you to the flames and the ground from which you came,” Strasser read aloud.

The act of retiring flags is covered under 4 U.S. Code § 8 – Respect for flag, which reads in part, “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, preferably by burning.”

In compliance with that code, the members of the Plover VFW on Saturday committed approximately 1,200 tattered, worn, and faded flags to the flames.

Strasser said the Post was “proud” to conduct the ceremony, which was largely the result of Don Mugridge, who “logged many hours and miles as a community service to pick up tattered flags that are ready to be retired.” Mugridge was unable to attend the ceremony due to health issues.

Strasser said unserviceable flags can be dropped off in a flag collection box in front of the VFW Post at 2970 Hickory Dr. in Plover. A flag collection box is also located in front of the parking lot of the County-City Building at 1516 Church St. in Stevens Point.

For information or assistance with flag disposal and retirement, contact the Plover VFW at 715-341-8414.