Retiring Olde Glory

The Franklin D. Roosevelt-Cecil Perkerson American Legion Post 186 in Greenville hosted a flag retirement ceremony and Olde Glory presentation assisted by Greenville Boy Scout Troop 104 on Monday 12 May, 2014 at the legion’s post.

The solemn and impressive ceremony enumerated the many battles the flag had flown in over our country’s 200+ years. The legionnaires, Scouts, and their families sang the National Anthem and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by Cohan during the service.

Scoutmaster Jim Mabon highlighted the accomplishments of Scouting since its founding in 1910. Patrol Leader Caleb London led the Folding the Flag ceremony as each of the twelve folds is a tribute or represents an important tenet or symbol of American beliefs.

The crowd adjourned outside for the flag burning. The first flag was symbolically torn with the blue field of stars burned first then each red and white strip individually torn and burned.  The Scouts saluted the flag as it was added to the flames with the words, “Rest in Peace.” A full table of worn, faded, and tattered flags was retired.

Post Commander Daniel Morgan led the group inside for a grilled summer meal. In other business, the legion accepted the nominations committee’s choice and voted in officers: Commander Daniel Morgan, Adjutant Larry Dunaway, Senior Vice Commander Harold Daniel, Jr. Vice Service Officer Danny Williams, Jr. Vice Activities Officer Robert McCutcheon, Jr. Vice Grounds and Building Officer Wayne McCutcheon, Finance Officer Pete Johnson, Historian Ed Hobson, Chaplain Tom Winkles, and Sargent at Arms Dan Branch.