VFW Flag Ceremony

27-Oct-2014
   On Saturday -25-Oct the Bogota VFW post 5561 held a Flag retirement ceremony in Olsen Park. Lead by post Commander Alex Hernandez the American flags that have been collected over the past 20 years were given the proper retirement.  According to the  United States Flag code : “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Thus, when a flag is torn and tattered beyond repair, it’s time for it to be retired. Post  5561 have been  collecting worn & unusable U.S. Flags from the old mail box that is in front of the Bogota Public Library. This is the mailbox painted in Red, White, & Blue  by students from Bogota High School.  In attendance were Bogota Mayor Tito Jackson, Bergen County Executive  Kathleen Donovan along with members of other VFW post.  Volunteer Firefighter from Bogota Fire Dept. Engine Co. #1  were in charge of  the controlling the fire use to consume  the retired flags. 
   While the first of the flags were placed in the fire a prayer was said , and  slowing more flags were added. Before some of the flags were retired Commander Hernandez held a lesson in the proper way to fold the flag. When done correctly there should be 13 folds with a triangle  showing the blue field with the stars exposed. 
    Commander Hernandez will like to make this an annual event with the  public welcome to show their respect to the American flag, and to bring any American flag that has been used to the point of deserving retirement.  

Flags waiting to be retired.

 County Executive Kathleen Donovan meeting VFW members Al Herrmann,
Joe Krause & Post Commander Alex Hernandez.  

County Executive Kathleen Donovan  thanking
  Post Commander Alex Hernandez for his service to the community.

Earl Coppock offering a prayer to the retired flags

 VFW members Al Herrmann saluting the first Flags to be retired.

 Mayor Tito Jackson

Rona Gil-De-Leon reading a Letter from Mary Wagner about starting
ther Flag retirement program.

 learning how to fold the Flag

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