Veterans, scouts retire flags

Everyone understands that the U.S. Flag is to be treated with respect, but most people do not know what should be done with a tattered or worn out flag that has outlived its usefulness.

The Sisters posts of the American Legion and VFW and the Boy Scouts of Troop 188 answered that question at a special ceremony held last week at Sisters City Hall.

With a turnout that seemed to surprise even the organizers, an overflow crowd packed City Hall for a patriotic ceremony that brought together active-duty military, veterans, scouts and supportive members of the community. With military precision, event organizer Earl Schroeder had the program underway at exactly 7 p.m.

After welcoming the crowd, VFW Post Commander John Miller recognized the veterans in attendance and introduced members and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 188. After the colors (U.S. and Oregon flags) were presented by members of the Oregon National Guard, Miller led the assemblage in the "Pledge of Allegiance;" and singers of the Sisters Chorale led the singing of the National Anthem.

The emcee for the event was David Johnson, who introduced Scoutmaster Barrett Ford for the invocation. Next, Sisters Mayor Lon Kellstrom welcomed participants on behalf of the city and recognized more than a dozen local organizations for contributing to the event. Kellstrom also recognized and introduced Warrant Officer Kyle Braun, a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot, who is returning to the front in Iraq this week.

Johnson next introduced Scout Senior Patrol Leader William Cyrus, who explained the purpose of the evening's ceremony.

"When the United States flag (Old Glory) becomes worm, torn, or badly soiled," Cyrus said, "it is time to replace it with a new flag. The old flag should be retired with dignity and respect befitting our nation's flag."

Cyrus went to say that the two accepted methods of retirement are by burial or flame, and the U.S. Congress has authorized only the U.S. Military and the Boy Scouts of America to conduct such ceremonies. Tom Barrier, with the Sisters Area Veterans Assistance Program, followed with a brief history of the flag.

The Sisters Chorale, directed by Irene Liden, sang an Armed Forces medley featuring the songs of each of the five military branches. Veterans of each branch were invited to stand during the singing of their service's anthem.

Three flags were slated for retirement on this evening, and Schroeder gave a brief history on each. One of the retired flags had been flown at Lutton's Ace Hardware over the last several years. The second was flown over the old U.S. Post Office and was retired when the Post Office moved to its new location, and the third - and largest - was the flag flown over City Hall.

Jeri Buckmann, events coordinator for the Sisters Chamber of Commerce, briefly addressed the assembly and announced that the chamber would henceforth serve as a community repository for flags identified for retirement. She suggested that anyone with a flag destined for retirement should bring that flag to the chamber for eventual disposition in a similar ceremony. The chamber is located on the corner of Main Avenue and Spruce Street.

Representing the Military Parents of Sisters, Ron Roberts honored local family members serving on active duty with the military.

"They may be far away, yet always close to our hearts," he said. "Their patriotism adds to the long line of distinguished military members and veterans who have served our country for hundreds of years."

As the program neared its conclusion, Eagle Scout Jeff Wilder explained the history of Old Glory 33, the flag adopted when Oregon was admitted to the Union 150 years ago. When new states join the Union, a star was added to the flag; and Oregon was the 33rd state.

The now-unfamiliar star pattern of Old Glory 33 consisted of an irregular field of 31 stars with a single star above and below the others. The flag saw service under presidents James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln. It is also known as the Fort Sumter Flag, since it was flying at the time the Civil War began in 1861.

Finally, the Sisters Chorale led the singing of "God Bless America." The colors were retired by the National Guard, and the assemblage adjourned to the formal outdoor burning of the retired flags by the Scouts. The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department was on hand to supervise the burning ceremony, and Jody Henderson, Sisters High School Band Director, played taps.

Organizations participating in the event included Boy Scout Troop 188, American Legion Post 86, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138, Oregon National Guard, Sisters Area Veterans Assistance Program, the Sisters Chorale, Military Parents of Sisters, Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, Sisters High School, and the U.S. Army.