Plummer American Legion Holds Flag Disposal Ceremony
Tue, 06/23/2020 - 9:54am
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On Flag Day, June 14, the Plummer American Legion Post 623 held a flag disposal ceremony next to the Legion Post. Past Commander Clarence Gagner served as emcee and began the program by welcoming everyone. He called upon post chaplain Les Hofstad to give the invocation after which the National Anthem was played. Gagner recognized several post members for their years of service in the Legion: Melvin Hesse for 65 years, Roger Skjerven for 49 years, Billy Peterson for 43 years, Marvin Engesether for 44 years. All together that’s just over 200 years, 201 to be exact. Gagner also thanked the Legion Auxiliary for their support to the Legion over the years. RLCC graduating senior Derek Peterson was recognized as the recipient of a $350 scholarship. Chris Longtin was recognized as the recipient of the Citizenship Award and a $100 scholarship. Auxiliary president Kristi Hesse recognized Jayden Iverson as the recipient of a $350 Auxiliary scholarship and Calyssa Eskeli as the recipient of the Auxiliary Citizenship Award. Jayden was the only one in attendance and received a round of applause.
The flag ceremony began with the purpose of showing the American flag the respect and honor it deserves. In a moving ceremony, marked with military precision, salutes, respect, and somberness, the Legion Post did just that. Gagner called upon Sergeant-at-arms Chuck Simpson to advance the flag for inspection by the inspection team of Barry Rewertz and Commander Roy Holmes. They did a very somber presentation and inspection of the folded flag. They were asked by Gagner what they found. Commander Holmes replied that they had found the flag worn and faded and deserving honorable retirement. Gagner replied, “Let these faded flags of our country be retired and destroyed with respect and honor.” After a prayer from Chaplain Hofstad, the inspection team carried the folded flag to the two Honor Guard members at the burn barrel. The flag was reverently handed to Josh Bakke, who together with his father, Jerome Bakke, unfolded the flag. Once unfolded and stretched horizonal to the ground, the flag was advanced and lowered over the burn barrel. The wind made it difficult to hold the flag steady and to lower it into the fire, but they accomplished their task. As the flag burned, TAPS was played with all Legionnaires standing at attention. At the conclusion of TAPS, Legionnaires were ordered to parade rest.
Gagner thanked everyone for being there and invited all to have lunch which the Auxiliary had prepared. The Color Guard was dismissed. The Honor Guard continued to burn the many flags that had been collected for disposal.
A video of the event is available on YouTube. https://youtu.be/AIP78DYbh6Q