MAXWELL, CA (MPG) — More than 200 Maxwell Elementary students joined local veterans Thursday, Sept. 25, at American Legion Post 218 for a flag retirement ceremony that honored more than 150 worn American flags.
American Legion Post 218.
The annual event, hosted by Maxwell American Legion Post 218 and Colusa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2441, gave students the opportunity to learn why and how flags are retired when they are no longer serviceable.
American Legion member Ron Azevedo reminded students that the flag remains a symbol of respect even when it is old and faded.
“When a flag gets to where it can’t be flown with dignity, faded, torn, or whatever, they need to be retired,” he said. “Just remember, when you unfold one of these flags, and it looks pretty rough and dingy and stuff, still treat it with a lot of respect.”
flag for retirement during Thursday’s ceremony at Maxwell Post 218.
During the program, Maxwell student Ellie read the poem “I Am a Flag.” Veterans then demonstrated how to properly unfold and fold a flag, noting that when the folds are done correctly no red should be visible. Mrs. Vera and a student presented the first flag for retirement, followed by dozens more carried by students.
Azevedo explained that several methods are acceptable under the U.S. Flag Code. Flags can be buried in a dignified manner or cut into pieces so they are no longer recognizable. The most common method, however, is ceremonial burning. Veterans placed flags into the fire as students watched quietly.
The ashes of retired flags are collected and later buried at an undisclosed location, veterans said.
The ceremony also provided practical lessons. Veterans explained that flags made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool may be safely burned, while synthetic materials like nylon or polyester can release hazardous fumes and should be done in safe conditions. The goal is to get a hot enough fire that the flag is fully consumed.
places a flag into the fire during the retirement
ceremony held Sept. 25 in Maxwell.
Other practices, such as shredding stripes or burying folded flags in a container, are considered appropriate when done with respect. What should never happen, veterans emphasized, is a flag being thrown in the trash or repurposed into other items.
The annual retirement ceremony allows veterans to pass those lessons to younger generations.
“If a flag is folded correctly, and the flag is completely folded, there would be no red showing anywhere,” Azevedo said. “It comes out pretty good.”
Community members who have worn, torn, or faded flags are encouraged to place them in collection boxes for ceremonial retirement. Depositories are available at High Noon Guns & Ammo, 321 5th St., Arbuckle, and at Maxwell American Legion Post 218, 250 Oak St.