Final salute: Legion retires flags

“When in proper service the flag becomes worn and tattered, it must be honorably retired from service. Such retirement of flags may be done in public with respect and honorable rites.”

With these words Friday, Vice Commander of American Legion Post 154 Bill Kinder began the proper retirement for more than 150 flags that the Legion has collected through the year.

“A flag may be a flimsy bit of printed gauze or a beautiful banner of finest silk,” Kinder continued. “The intrinsic value may be trifling or great. But its real value is beyond price, for it is a precious symbol of all that we and our comrades have worked for, lived for and died for — a free nation of free men and women true to the faith of the past, devoted to the ideals and practices of justice, freedom and democracy.”

After a short prayer, the first flag was placed in the fire. The veterans in attendance fell into reverent silence, remembering those who gave their lives to preserve freedom.

Post 154 has donated new flags for Lakeland School District.

All schools in the Coeur d’Alene School District also received new flags, donated by Jan Jesberger Insurance in Hayden. Flag exchange/retirement continues for one week at their Hayden office, 9212 N. Government Way.