LEGION POST TO BURN FLAGS THAT ARE WORN ON FLAG DAY

Members of American Legion Post 63 of Cape Girardeau will conduct the annual American Flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day June 14.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., at the Missouri Veterans Home across from North Cape Girardeau County Park on North Kingshighway. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the ceremony.

Charles E. Woodford, chairman of the Flag Day ceremony, said the event is held each year as a service to those who want to retire their worn and tattered American flags.

"Contrary to what many people believe, burning is a proper way of disposing of American flags that are no longer serviceable," said Woodford. "But we do not burn the flag in a mocking or disrespectful manner; it is done with the honor and dignity befitting the banner of the United States of America."

Woodford said the retirement ceremony was started by members of Post 63 several years ago.

"There are a lot of people who do not know how to properly dispose of an American flag that is no longer serviceable," he said. "We urge individuals, businesses, and organizations who have American flags that are tattered, torn, stained, dirty or otherwise no longer serviceable to dispose of them in a dignified and honorable way.

"Flags may be turned into the Veterans Home on North Kingshighway or to any American Legion member. Or you may drop off your flag at either of two pick-up points: the administrative office at West Park Mall or the customer service desk at the Wal-Mart Superstore."

Woodford said if someone cannot drop off their flag at either location they can call the American Legion at 335-0305. "Leave your name, address and a time you will be home on the answering machine, and a member of the American Legion will stop by to pick up your flag," Woodford said.