'Just trying to give back': Volunteers retire flags in solemn ceremony at Patriot Park
Nov. 13—STOYSTOWN, Pa. — Dozens of volunteers on Sunday went row by row through Patriot Park in Somerset County, collecting flags for a retirement ceremony that marks the end of the season for the park.
More than 7,000 miniature American flags are placed in the ground at the Stoystown-area park on Memorial Day and removed around Veterans Day — each one representing an American soldier who died fighting in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
"Just trying to give back to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice," said 17-year-old Elijah Williams, who was volunteering with a handful of other Boy Scouts from Troop 622 out of Johnstown.
Prior to the work beginning, Patriot Park Foundation President Randall Musser provided instructions to the volunteers about what a good flag looks like, compared to one that needed to be retired.
Flags that were worn, tattered or ripped or that had a broken stick were placed in one pile, while those in better condition went in a different section on Musser's truck trailer.
Musser said that although the park group buys new flags each year for the display, it saves those that are in good condition for re-use.
Lending a hand on Sunday carried an additional meaning for Williams.
His father, Tim Williams, is a veteran who served 12 years with the United States National Guard, and Elijah Williams has applied to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy after he graduates next year.
The pair worked side by side sorting flags. Getting to participate in the service work with his son was a rewarding experience for Tim Williams.
"It's a proud moment that he understands the gravity of a moment such as this," he said.
However, it was also humbling and somber. Tim Williams said some of the flags in the field were for friends of his who died fighting overseas.
Other volunteers included eight people from American Legion Post 982 in Westmoreland County.
Jason Patrick, first vice commander for the 31st District of the Sons of the American Legion, said he and a friend had stopped at the park in October when they were told about the flag retirement event.
Citing the Sons' philosophy, which says that the group is to support veterans in any way possible, Patrick said he rounded up a group to come help.
Debbie Driscoll, membership chair for the Post 982 auxiliary, said seeing the thousands of flags spread out across the field was overwhelming. She commented on the number of families that were touched by the wars and how many people didn't get to come home.
"I'm just happy to be here and help out," Driscoll said.
Although it takes two days to place each of the 7,058 flags, the volunteers made quick work of removing them and neatly set those needing to be retired from the others that could be re-used.
After the collection was complete, Musser moved the trailer full of flags to a spot nearby where a fire was burning.
He read to the crowd about the proper procedure for retiring an American flag and a description of what the "Emblem of America" stands for before each volunteer quietly took a handful of flags and placed them on the fire.
The Central City Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard provided a salute and taps to conclude the event.
