Retiring Our Flags

Michele Bachmann | June 14, 2008 12:04 PM

At events taking place across the country this Saturday, Americans are taking time to reflect on the services and sacrifices of the heroic and brave souls that have allowed our nation to fly our flag high and proud for so many years.

Later today I'll be attending a flag-retirement ceremony at Veteran's Lake in Ramsey where hundreds of flags will be respectfully burned after years of service.

The American Legion writes on their website that Congress approved most provisions of the Flag Code in 1942, first formulated as a set of civilian flag etiquette rules at a national conference in 1923. The Flag Code outlines that "when a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning. For individual citizens, this should be done discreetly so the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration."

Many veterans groups such as the American Legion and the VFW hold flag-disposal ceremonies on Flag Day.

Our nation must endeavor to remember forever the sacrifices of the past and present - as our flag and the freedom, safety, and prosperity it represents have not been easily purchased.