Centre Girl Scouts retire 14 flags years ago
Centre Girl Scouts retire 14 flags in ceremony
Just as people honor those who have died, flag etiquette requires that they honor the flag when it becomes tattered and torn and has to be disposed.
The Centre Girl Scout troop held a special "retirement" ceremony Saturday for 14 worn-out flags given to them for that purpose. They were attending Day Camp at Marion Reservoir.
The ceremony began with six senior scouts holding a flag as assistant director Lester Kaiser presented a monologue about the flag. "I, the flag
Then Brandy Kaiser ceremonially cut out the blue square on the flag, and the 13 stripes were cut or torn apart.
One by one, as the 13 original colonies were named, the stripes were added to those from 13 other flags and placed onto an open fire. Lastly, the square containing 50 stars, one for each state, was placed on the fire.
"Do not feel sorry for me. I have had the great honor to represent the United States of America," the monologue continued as the last vestiges of the flags disintegrated. "There are others to replace me and keep my colors flying strong."
It was a moving and solemn ceremony, a time for pondering and contemplation.
Members of Centre Girl Scouts are: Crystal and Wendy Hager, Florence: Laura and Sara Hoffmann, Burns; and Bridgette Burns, Leann Pankratz, Brandy Kaiser, Melissa Kaiser, and Katie Kohman, all of Lincolnville.
Brownies who joined them for one day were Beka Basore, Ellie Miller, and Oaklan Jenkins, all of Lost Springs.
Barb Kaiser, Lincolnville, is director and is assisted by Jim and Sue Hoffmann of Burns and Lester Kaiser.
