Boy Scouts, Elks set to retire flags

Contra Costa Times ^ | 3/13/7 | Chris Treadway

[SmithL]

Conducting ceremonies to properly and respectfully retire American flags is a long-standing responsibility accorded Boy Scout troops. On Sunday, the members of Boy Scout Troop 146 in El Sobrante will take part in that tradition.

The ceremony, the first in recent memory held by the troop, will take place at 11 a.m. in the back parking lot of the Richmond Elks Lodge at 3931 San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante.

Elks Lodge No. 1251 is partnering with the Scouts to hold the ceremony to retire U.S. flags no longer fit for display. Anyone who has a flag is welcome to bring it by the lodge when the Elks meet tonight, during a Chamber of Commerce mixer Wednesday evening or when the Scouts meet Thursday night.

"Or they can contact us and we'll give them a time to drop by," said Elks member Bob Ostini.

People also can bring flags to the lodge Sunday and are invited to attend the ceremony. Troop members will retire all flags in accordance with U.S. law and Boy Scout customs.

The Richmond Elks sponsor Troop 146 and provide their lodge for its meetings and functions. Scouts in the troop lend their services to the lodge, Ostini said, noting that troop members recently held a parking lot and creekside cleanup there.

For details, call Ostini at 510-326-0844 or call the lodge at 510-223-3441.

[SF Republican]

I have the great fortune of having an American battle flag in the family. My father was in the Navy and had been in battle on a few occasions. One night they received word they were headed back to Pearl. The night officer gave my dad the news and told him at dawn to raise fresh colors as their flag was about torn in half and covered with diesel fuel (which you can still smell). My dad said I guess we need to burn this one but the officer told him to put it away and give it to his grand-kids. He takes it to every Navy reunion he attends to this day.

[Hegemony Cricket]

If you have never seen a flag retirement ceremony, you should - it's worth the time.

[svcw]

This is way off topic but do yo know how to get a flag when a WWII soldier dies. My dad (family) never received a flag and I was just wondering.

[SmithL]

If your dad belonged to any type of veteran's organization, that would be a great place to start. Otherwise, go to his Congressman. We got flags from our Congressman for Boy Scout Eagle Courts of Honor and Girl Scout Silver/Gold Award ceremonies.

[svcw]

Thanks.