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Flag-retirement ceremonies, folding demonstrations and other events commemorate Flag Day.

As the nation moves closer and closer to celebrating its 250^th birthday, cities and towns across the country got a patriotic appetizer, thanks to the American Legion Family.

Flag Day, which fell on June 14 but was observed leading up to the actual date, saw Legion Family members provide flag-retirement ceremonies and flag-folding demonstrations, host Flag Day celebrations and participate in parades.

For example, in Appleton at the nation’s oldest and largest Flag Day parade, the Scarlet Guard American Legion Color Guard kicked off the parade in front of around 50,000 attendees lining the streets of downtown Appleton. And in Minnesota, the department’s Fourth District retired thousands of used American flags in a ceremony open to the public.

If your post hosted a Flag Day event, please share in the Rally Around the Flag category on  with photos.

The following are a few examples of how the Legion Family commemorated Flag Day.

Alaska

In Juneau, American Legion Auke Bay Post 25 and its American Legion Auxiliary unit held a dignified disposal of unserviceable flags ceremony at the post. Around 225 flags were disposed, many coming from a drop box at Mendenhall Mall, which the post checks weekly.  The post also accepts used flags at its facility.

“We usually have to do it a few more times a year,” “The flags fill up our small post if they accumulate all year. We do it locally as a service to the community and to make sure flags are properly and honorably disposed of.”

Downs also said the ceremony falls under the Legion’s Americanism pillar.

“It is in our Preamble to the Constitution of 91Ӱ���ƽ�� ‘to foster and perpetuate 100% Americanism,’” he said. “For myself, I am feeling more patriotic than usual with the 250th anniversary of the nation happening.”

Arkansas

·         In Morrilton, approximately 300 American flags were retired in a ceremony hosted by Nathan G. Gordon American Legion Post 39. The post teamed with Scouting America Pack 93, Troop 93 and Troop 13. “The flags that we have before us have been up in display in times of peace, in times of conflict,” “They have represented our nation in communities large and small. They’ve been flown at our homes, our schools, our churches, our businesses, our police departments, our fire departments, and public places all around America. Though they are now worn by time and service, they remain worthy of our respect. They honor we show this flag this afternoon is the honor we show to all flags being retired from service.”

·         In Fort Smith, Fort Smith Ellig-Stoufer American Legion Post 31 held a flag-retirement ceremony for flags that had been dropped off at various locations throughout the area. “It’s just been an honor for all of us to participate in this and have a part in it,” “It’s just honoring Old Glory – long may she wave. The land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Iowa

·         In Webster City, American Legion Post 191 retired hundreds of American flags. The flags included ones turned into the post, as well as those displayed at Graceland Cemetery that were deemed unserviceable. Post leadership conducting the ceremony included Post Commander Matt MacRunnel, Vice Commander Troy Duffy, Adjutant Rich Stroner and Chaplain Bruce Johnston. The post raises money throughout the year to help replace the flags that have to be replaced.

·         In Sioux City, members of Morningside American Legion Post 697 provided a flag-folding demonstration to residents at Sunrise Retirement Community. The day also included the singing of patriotic songs. “We understand that there are a lot of folks here that are veterans; they always appreciate the ceremonies, and we can never pass up a chance to honor them for their service,” “Flag Day is important because of the symbol that it represents … our country and the people who have kept it free.”

Kansas

In Emporia, American Legion Post 5, with assistance from the Patriot Guard Riders, put out 250 flags in the field just west of the post to represent each year since the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Mississippi

In Gautier, American Legion Post 1992 provided a proper retirement ceremony for dozens of unserviceable flags provided by community members.

“It means a lot to me,” “Most of the members of my family have served, both male and female, all the branches. So that’s what it means to me.”

North Carolina

·         In Leland, John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 organized a community Flag Day celebration that included the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Torpedo Squadron 8 of Wilmington leading a flag-folding ceremony. “I hope that when we see the flag waving, we are reminded that freedom is not free,” “It has been earned, defended and renewed by generations before us.”

·         In Jacksonville, Burton-Cowell Post 265’s American Legion Family hosted its annual flag-retirement ceremony, with support from the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Patriotic Unit of Senator Albert J. Ellis Assembly No. 1541 and the Columbiettes affiliated with Colonel Jerry W. Marvel Council No. 13488 at MCAS New River. The Northside High School Choir also provided music.

Ohio

In Spencerville, American Legion Post 191 and VFW Post 6772 hosted a flag-retirement ceremony for flags both posts had collected throughout the year.

Texas

·         In Harker Heights, Jack D. Levy Post 573 worked with local Scouts and Cub Scouts for a flag ceremony that included explaining the importance of the flag and the way it is disposed. “Today, we gather to celebrate Flag Day – a day dedicated to honoring one of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the world,” “As Americans, we may come from different backgrounds, beliefs and walks of life, but the flag reminds us that we are united by a shared purpose and a common future.” The post also used the day to honor Women Veterans Day.

·         In Lufkin, American Legion Post 113 teamed with VFW Post 1836 for the city’s 46th annual National Flag Day Celebration. The event included flag-folding ceremony performed by local veterans.

·         In Bryan, American Legion Post 159 held its annual Flag Day ceremony that included retiring unserviceable flags and a 21-gun salute. Scouts from Troop 159 placed the flags in the flame. “This day is a day you honor our flag, and it’s great prices have been paid for that flag,” said Post 159 Commander Gary Banta.