(Bill Bennett is Senior Vice Commander of the William M. Gouse Jr. VFW Post 3211)

The William M. Gouse Jr. VFW Post #3211 - under Commander William G. Walden - with the cooperation of Fire Chief Robert Lang of the Hicksville Fire Department and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, held a solemn flag retirement ritual at the Hicksville Fire Department on Flag Day, June 14.

The only proper way to dispose of a torn or faded American Flag is by burning under a prescribed ritual. Quartermaster Conrad Steers presented Commander Walden with unserviceable America flags for inspection and disposal. Senior Vice Commander William Bennett was presented the unserviceable flags and asked, "Is the present condition of these flags the result of their usual service as the emblem of our country?" Quartermaster Steers replied, "These flags have become faded and worn in the service of our nation, our state, our country."

Bill Stephens, junior vice commander, asked, "Have any of these flags served any other purpose?" Steers replied, "Some of these flags have been displayed in various public places." Stephens asked that they be presented to the commander for final inspection. Walden asked if the flags were inspected by the senior vice commander and the junior vice commander and they had.

Bennett stated, "Since these flags have become unserviceable in a worthy cause, I recommend that they be honorably retired from further service."

Walden then said, "Let these faded flags be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites and their places taken by bright new flags of the same size and kind." Steers directed the Color Guard, escort the detail bearing the flags and destroy these flags by burning. They were presented to Chief Lang and his officers for burning by ritual.

Post Chaplain John Kelly offered a prayer. "Almighty God, captain of all hosts and commander over all, bless and consecrate this present hour. We thank thee for our country and its flag, and for the liberty for which it stands. To clean and purging flame we commit these flags, worn out in worthy service, Amen."

Bennett stated, "The flags have been destroyed in a fitting manner, the ashes of these flags will be distributed on the hollowed grounds of our local cemeteries."

Walden then addressed those attending the ritual, speaking of "the great sacrifices that were made by our fighting men and women, because of their devotion to our flag and country. The American flag is our symbol of American freedom and patriotism." He reminded those in attendance to continue flying the American flag in a show of support for the brave men and women in our armed forces today.

Town Councilman Joseph D. Muscarella, representing Supervisor Venditto, talked about the history and meaning of our flag and our obligation to properly display our flag on all national holidays and events.

Hicksville Fire Chief Patrick McGeough was represented by Chief Robert Lang and two of his officers. They were part of the ritual in accepting our flags for proper disposal.

It was a moving ceremony that brought respect and dignity to our national flag and we ask the members of our community to respect our flag and display it proudly.