Flag Day
and
Annual Flag Retirement
Jointly Sponsored by the C.A.R.
Each year on Flag Day (June 14th), the Fairfax Resolves Chapter and the Col. William Grayson Society, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) observe Flag Day and perform a Flag Retirement Ceremony to dispose of flags that have reached the end of their useful life. This retirement ceremony, hosted by the Great Falls Library, is currently the only flag disposal program in Great Falls, and we work with various organizations in the community to make the program a success.
Flag Day, having been celebrated by various state and local celebrations, was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson by proclamation in 1916. His proclamation said in part:
“It has, therefore seemed to me fitting that I should call your attention to the approach of the anniversary of the day upon which the Flag of the United States was adopted by Congress as the emblem of the Union, and to suggest to you that this year and in the years to come be given special significance…I therefore suggest and request throughout the nation and, if possible, in every community, the fourteenth day of June be observed as Flag Day, with special patriotic exercises, at which means shall be taken to give significant expression to our thoughtful love of America…our determination to make it greater and purer….”
C.A.R. members retire worn American flags at a Flag Retirement Ceremony
June 14th, however, was not an official holiday until 1949 when President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating the day of each year as National Flag Day.
The Great Falls Library hosts the event, which is often carried out in the parking lot of library. U.S. Flag Code recommends burning as a dignified method for destroying a Flag "when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display", so members of the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department also attend to participate in the ceremony by conducting the actual flag disposal in a safe, controlled manner.
The SAR and C.A.R. conduct this event to promote patriotism and American heritage in the community and among young people in particular. Anyone interested in participating can contact the President of the Fairfax Resolves, or simply leave worn flags (year-round) at the Great Falls Library for this annual event.
Flag Retirement
June 14, 2020
The Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) for the past 15 years have provided a Flag Retirement Program for the Village of Great Falls. The program would not be successful if it weren't for the Great Falls Library, Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department, and the Friends of the Freedom Memorial.
With the oversight of Frank Smith and the rest of the Volunteer Fire Department, the annual ceremony has retired countless flags in a safe and respectful manner on the Great Falls Library property. Since the creation of the Freedom Memorial, the event has moved to the site of this monument. For their support, the Children have presented the library with a new 5 x 8 flag each year.
Due to the limitations of conducting events during the pandemic, the 2020 Flag Day ceremony was cancelled. This video was created from the pictures of previous years to both recognize Flag Day 2020 and say thank you to the people and organizations that continue to support the event and Children and to make each Flag Day a success.