A ceremony to retire "unserviceable" U.S. flags was hosted by the Ogema VFW Post 9880 and Auxiliary on Flag Day, June 14. A total of 318 worn flags were collected from the community and retired during the ceremony.
Members of the Ogema VFW Post 9880 and Auxiliary held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Ogema Park on Monday, June 14, also known as Flag Day. (Submitted photo)
To honorably dispose of worn U.S. flags, the Ogema VFW Post 9880 and Auxiliary held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Ogema Park on Monday, June 14, also known as Flag Day.
The ceremony, which welcomed the public, was held with the assistance of the White Earth Veterans and Ogichidaa (Great Warriors), along with the Ogema Fire Department.
Before they were put into the burn barrel for incineration, each U.S. flag was carefully inspected and certified as unserviceable before being retired from service. White Earth veterans participated in the service along with members of the Ogema VFW and Auxiliary. (Submitted photo)
Prior to the event flag distribution boxes were designated in three areas around the community, with a total of 318 US flags collected. The ceremony was conducted in a military style, with the flags being inspected and verified as unserviceable for use before being incinerated.
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Local youth were allowed to participate in the Flag Retirement Ceremony held on June 14 (Flag Day) at the Ogema Park. The ceremony, which was hosted by the Ogema VFW and Auxiliary, included the disposal of 318 U.S. flags. (Submitted photo)
Local veterans hope more people will become aware that throwing a flag in the trash is not the correct way to dispose of an American flag. A U.S. Flag Retirement Ceremony is also a very meaningful opportunity for young people to reflect on the meaning of the flag as a symbol of freedom.
A reporter at Detroit Lakes Newspapers since relocating to the community in October 2000, Vicki was promoted to Community News Lead for the Detroit Lakes Tribune and Perham Focus on Jan. 1, 2022. She has covered pretty much every "beat" that a reporter can be assigned, from county board and city council to entertainment, crime and even sports. Born and raised in Madelia, Minnesota, she is a graduate of Hamline University, from which she earned a bachelor's degree in English literature (writing concentration). You can reach her at vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.
