Flags retired and US Army’s birthday celebrated at American Legion Post 83 in Merced

Worn out and damaged flags were retired Sunday during a small Flag Day ceremony in Merced.

The ceremony was held at American Legion Post 83, where the flags were lowered into a fire pit as they were given a dignified retirement in accordance with flag code.

“Flag code dictates that a flag be consumed in a fire,” Post 83 Cmdr. Ed Benes said. “Sometimes they may be cut into strips, never use a knife. But if a flag is too big to be consumed in a fire, then it can be cut into strips along the white and red stripes. The blue banner cut out and then cut apart and put in a fire separately.”

According to 1st Vice Cmdr. Rob Carrier, the post planned on retiring more than a dozen flags Sunday.

Benes said some of the flags had flown outside homes while others were at one time draped over coffins and being retired at the request of family members whose loved ones have been laid to rest.

Benes said that once the ashes have cooled, they will be removed and placed in a garden to promote growth and rebirth.

“Sort of like our country being reborn constantly with new patriots coming forward to uphold our honors and traditions,” Benes said.

Following the flag retirement, American Legion members gathered to eat cake and celebrate the 245th birthday of the U.S. Army.