By Eric Millirons
special correspondent

On the south bank of the James River in Chesterfield County, an observance of pride in our country was held on Saturday, June 13. Among the 150 or so people in attendance were many veterans – veterans who had tasted the pains of war, and those who were fortunate to have served only during times of peace. There were also others who support the men and women in uniform and a cross section of ages as well – from the old soldiers in their 80’s to young people heading into the start of the teenage years. Men and women had come together this day to pay homage to a national emblem – the flag of the United States of America.

To many, seeing “Old Glory” being burned might bring forth images of its desecration. However, to those gathered for this ceremony, nothing could be further from that than this observance. There would be six flags of the United States that had served their country and proud owners well over the flags’ lifetime – bruised with the harsh realities of weather – tattered, soiled or faded fabric would be ceremoniously presented and then cast into fire. These symbolic flags would represent all that had been collected for proper disposal. As Jack Boles, Commander of VFW Post 6364 put it, “[we] retire the flag through incineration.”

The host for this ceremony was American Legion Post 354, which is located just north of Robious Road, was celebrating its 60th year. According to Ed Crossan, First Vice Commander of Post 354, “this is the ninth year that this flag retirement ceremony has been conducted” and that last year over 4,000 flags were collected and retired.

With members and friends forming two lines on each side of the parade ground, the colors were presented by the Manchester JROTC color guard, the America Division of the Sea Cadets (Richmond) color guard and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 1810 color unit. As the units marched briskly onto the field, the people received the flag of our nation with appropriate pride and respect by either raising hand salutes or with hands over hearts.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, Bruce Edelman, Adjutant of Post 354, then made the following statement to all: “Ladies and gentlemen, now comes before us, these flags of our country. They have served you honorably. It is fitting that on this day, we retire these emblems of our country.”

The flag detail was given the order “destroy these flags by burning.” The men marched toward the flames that had been prepared for this service. Each of the six stepped, one at a time to the front of the conflagration, casting the flag into the fires then saluting and returning to his formation with the other men. One of the six flag bearers was Len Blankenship, an 89-year-old survivor of D-Day, who was later wounded and captured at the Battle of the Bulge.

When the last of the six flags had been committed to the flames, the sound of “Taps” was played. That playing of that mournful melody means that one’s service is complete to country and that these flags had finished their assigned task.

Before closing the ceremony, the proclamation of Governor Tim Kaine which designated June 13 – June 20 as American Veterans and Veterans Support Associations Week was read, and a moment of silence was observed for the “brave men and women who protect and serve our great nation.”

The ceremony ended, the field cleared and smoke still rose from the area of incineration. While others moved on to a picnic lunch under the protecting shelter, Billy Steinruck, a Vietnam veteran, continued with a job for which he had volunteered – the immolation of the other collected flags. He was pleased that so many had attended, because “it shows that people are interested in ceremonies like this.”