Flag Day And Flag Retirement 2009
This year marked the 6th annual Flag Retirement Ceremony for the community of Great Falls. The Fairfax Resolves and the Children of the American Revolution continued to enjoy the participation of the Great Falls Library, who typicaly provides the venue, and the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department, who lend their expertise to ensure a safe and successful ceremony.
This year's ceremony was held at the Great Falls Fire Station. Several of the flags retired this year had memorial significance such as marking the graves of Revolutionary War Veteran, and one was donated by the volunteer fire fighers assisting with the ceremony. This flag had flown at the Great Falls Fire Station until it was no longer fit for display. Other flags had been proudly displayed by citizens of Great Falls and surrounding areas.
Virginia Society C.A.R State President Robert Borgatti watches with members of the Fairfax Resolves and other C.A.R., SAR, and DAR participants as members of the Great Falls volunteer Fire Department Lizzel D’Souza and Chief Frank Smith retire worn/unuseable flags.
The ceremony began with the reading of Howard Schnauber's poem “My Name is Old Glory”, each participant reading a section of the poem. After the opening ceremony, Mr. Borgotti handed the first flag to firefighter Lizzel D’Souza for reitrement. The ceremony concluded when Mr. Borgotti and Compatriot Larry McKinley presented a new flag to Daniela Dixon, Branch Manager, Fairfax County Public Library. Chief Frank Smith and Lizzel D’Souza of the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department carried out the actual retirement of flags, and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) also supported this event with their presence and participation.
Volunteer firefigher Lizzel D’Souza assists Providence Society, C.A.R. member Victoria Dickie retire a small worn out flag.
John Sinks retires the flag that was flown over his ancestor’s grave, Benjamin Peachee.
C.A.R State President Robert Borgotti and Fairfax Resolves Compatriot Larry McKinley present a new flag to Daniela Dixon, Branch Manager, Fairfax County Public Library