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
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
Archived Pages: 2008