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….”
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.
C.A.R. members retire worn American flags at a Flag Retirement Ceremony
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
The Great Falls Freedom Memorial. The inscription reads “The Community of Great Falls, Virginia, Honors Those Who Have Given Themselves in Service to the Cause of Liberty and Freedom.”
On Flag Day, June 14, Compatriots Larry McKinley and Darrin Schmidt along with members of the Children of the American Revolution conducted the 7th annual flag retirement ceremony for the community at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.
Members of the Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department Captain David Lange, Andrew Reedy, Eric Thorsell, and Scott Schermerhorn were on hand again this year to assist with the flag retirement and to ensure a safe ceremony. Members of the Great Falls Library, Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial, Fairfax County and Freedom Hill Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and members of the community supported this event with their presence and participation. This is the first time the ceremony has been held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.
The event began with members of the C.A.R, DAR, and SAR reading the parts of the ceremony commemorating the Flag and its significance. Andrew Reedy retired the flags as members of the C.A.R. assisted. The event was unceremoniously interrupted by a passing rain cloud, but participants soldiered on in a show of good humor and dedication until the very last flag had been retired.
Compatriot Larry McKinley leads members of the C.A.R. and DAR in the opening ceremony.
Members of the C.A.R. read their parts of the ceremony...
while the fire is prepeared to retire the flags.
Members of the Great Falls Fire Dept. and Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Left to Right - Kathy Heberg, Andrew Reedy, Eric Thorsell, Scott Schermerhorn, Ed Heberg, and Captain David Lange. Mr. Heberg is the President of the Friends of the Great Falls Freedom Memorial.
Members of the C.A.R. assist Firefighter Andrew Reedy to retire flags.