The first official retirement ceremony for the American Flag at the Jones County Sheriff’s Office was held last week, complete with all the honor and reverence possible for the solemn occasion.
The June 15 event was held in front of the sheriff’s office using a fire pit that was constructed for the ceremony. Chief Deputy Earl Humphries was the master of ceremonies for the service.
The ceremonial burning of the flag is the dignified and respectful method of disposing of U.S. flags that are worn, torn or faded beyond repair, according to the U.S. Flag Code.
Members of American Legion Post 142 and Jones County Boy Scouts participated in the ceremony as well as the JCSO Honor Guard.
Humphries welcomed attendees and stated the ceremony was formally adopted by the American Legion in 1937 in line with the flag code.
The invocation was given by Rev. John Haney, who is also the JCSO Chaplin, and the National Anthem was performed by Kate Smith. The flags were folded prior to burning, as instructed in the code, by members of the honor guard.
Humphries explained the meaning of the flag.
“The stars represent the 50 states united as one nation. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that founded the United States. The colors remind us of the values this nation was built upon: red for courage and sacrifice, white for purity and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.”
Veterans in attendance, escorted by a member of the honor guard, carried a folded flag to the fire pit, stopped, tossed the flag into the fire and finished the routine with a salute. That process continued until the table containing the flags was empty.
Humphries read the ‘placement into the flag’ explanation as the flags were retired.
“As this flag is committed to the fire, we remember the sacrifices made for the freedom it represents. May the spirit of this flag continue to inspire respect for our nation and its ideals.”
When the last veteran was seated, Hawke Oller played taps, which was followed by a prayer by Haney.
The chief read closing remarks.
“Though these flags have reached the end of their service, the ideas they represent continue to live on. May we always remember the sacrifices made for our freedom and treat our nation’s symbol with respect and honor.
“On behalf of the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, we would like to thank all of the veterans and honored guests who participated here today,” he said.
Humphries talked about the ceremony in a June 11 interview. He said flag retirement would begin with approximately 20 flags. After the burn ban is lifted in the fall, the plan is to retire more flags. That is due to the large number that have been placed in the flag collection box in the lobby of the sheriff’s office. “I’d estimate that we have thousands,” he said.
The chief said he appreciated the help of legion members and boy scouts. He added that all veterans were welcome to take part in the ceremonies.
“We don’t pay homage to our veterans enough, and we don’t thank them enough for what they have contributed,” he added.
In a side note to the conversation, Humphries said another issue with the flags is only the ones made of cotton can be burned. He said the American Flags made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester release toxic fumes if burned.
Humphries said those flags would be folded and buried in accordance with the recommendation of the flag code.
