American Flags Burned in Edgefield

American Flags Burned in Edgefield

Burning FlagsThe first Flag Burning ceremony, sponsored by the American Legion Post #30, was held Thursday evening, March 15. A gathering at the Legion Hut in Edgefield saw the Strom Thurmond High School ROTC assisting legion post officers as they assembled the flags for a solemn flag burning ceremony. The Navy JROTC presented the colors and the pledge of allegiance followed.

The American Legion calls this event the Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags, following a resolution passed by the 19th National Convention of the American Legion in New York, Sept. 20-23, 1937.

The American Legion had called for 50 flags, their goal, and 168 were contributed for the event. The flags, to be burned, had to be worn or tattered from use.  They were received as having been flown in service to their country.

Members of Strom Thurmond High School NJROTC assist in the flag burning ceremony.