Honoring the nation’s cloth
Flying in front of our homes and schools, above our battlefields, our seats of government and houses of worship, the cloth symbol of our national pride inevitably is bleached by the sun and ravaged by wind and rain. In honor of the liberty it represents, the flag code dictates that these faded and tattered emblems are disposed of with dignity and ceremony.
On Wednesday, April 19, Jefferson County High School NJROTC cadets clutched more than 150 worn and torn American flags to their chests and marched them one by one towards crackling flames.
“These flags have inspired those who desire to taste freedom and have represented hope to those oppressed by tyranny and terror,” a cadet announced at the ceremony, calling it the most displayed and recognized banner in the world. “The American flag serves as a constant reminder to all of us that we live in a country where our freedom has been deeply purchased by blood, sweat, tears and ultimate sacrifice. We must not forsake what those in service to this flag and their families have forfeited.”
The flags were collected from individuals, businesses and institutions throughout the county since the school’s last flag retirement ceremony, which was held in 2019.
“We try to make sure the flag, which represents all of us, is in a very displayable condition at all times,” McMillian said. “This ceremony is the proper way to dispose of them in accordance with the US Flag Code.”
McMillian said that as a person who has visited a lot of other countries, he has noticed that America flies its flag more often and more prominently than any other country he knows.
“The significance is great to feel that America is standing with you,” McMillian said. “As a veteran we go off and we serve in these foreign places. It’s good to see all these flags. We wear the flag. We salute the flag. We carry the flag. Then to come home and see all these civilians doing the same thing in their own way, It’s motivating. It’s inspiring.”
Throughout the service, cadets shared information about the US Flag and the Flag Code with those who attended. Some 41 cadets participated in the program.
“Cadets from JCHS and JCMS demonstrated superior patriotism, teamwork, coordination, and a willingness to endure the sun and smoke for the greater good of the community to put on this event,” said CPO Pharaoh McMillian. “They represented themselves in keeping with the spirit of Jefferson County Warrior excellence.”
This year National Flag Day will be on Wednesday, June 14.
Anyone who has a worn flag that needs to be retired appropriately can bring them to Jefferson County High School where the NJROTC program will take custody of them and store them until the next retirement service.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Honoring the nation’s cloth
