The ceremony was held at Diekroeger Park last Saturday.
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Wright City held an official Flag Retirement ceremony for American flags as well as others that have completed their life of service at Diekroeger Park Saturday morning. As per the US Department of Defense, retired American flags are to be burned and recognized with the Pledge of Allegiance and a salute.
Wright City Parks Director Stuart Bruning led the ceremony, which also included remarks from Vietnam War Veteran Raymond Kehoe as well as the help of Cub Scout Pack 835.
Kehoe told the story of Vietnam War veteran Mike Christian, who was held in the infamous prisoner of war camp known as the “Hanoi Hilton” and how he managed to sew an American Flag onto the inside of his shirt so that he and his fellow POWs could continue to recognize their country.
“Today we’re honoring the symbol of American Freedom, the American Flag,” Kehoe said.
A number of retired American Flags were burned at the ceremony as well as other state and military flags following the ceremony.
The Wright City Fire Protection District was also on hand at the event to monitor the fire. They also took part in the ceremony, lowering the retired flag at Diekroeger Park and raising its replacement.
They were on hand after the ceremony’s conclusion as well to continue monitoring the fire.
“The color guard will remain vigil over the fire until no traces of the flags remain. The ashes will be collected and properly buried in the memorial section of our park,” said Stuart Bruning, Wright City Parks Director.
