BASSETT, VA – The American Legion Homer Dillard Post #78 recently conducted the first-ever flag retirement ceremony at Bassett High School.
In 1976, Congress amended the United States Flag Code to include that the nation's flag is a living entity and, as such, has all the rights thereof, including the right to exist and expire with dignity.
“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,” according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps members disposed of the unserviceable flags in the proper and preferred way; by burning them.
“The flag has to be treated as if it was an individual and given the same respect and that increases respect for the nation as a whole,” said Homer Dillard Post #78 Adjutant Curtis R. Millner, Sr.
Millner, Sr. says he hopes the ceremony will also get more students interested in the military.
“Right now, we know that we have the best and we want to maintain the best, therefore, we got to get students early in their life to become interested in the military and consider the military, if not only for just two years, maybe make a career of it,” he added.
Daisy Garcia says it is important for her peers to learn about the proper disposal.
“I think it is important to show our young juniors that it is good to do this so they can learn how to properly dispose of a flag,” Garcia stated.
Sandra George says JROTC improves a person's character and is why she decided to join the program.
“Makes you just feel better as a person,” George said. “It helps us with leadership. It shows that we're good enough to take the positions and it really helps us to do better in school because of all the ranks, ribbons, awards, and stuff like that.”
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