On Veterans Day evening, Boy Scouts from Troop 1541 held a flag retirement ceremony at Silverdale Waterfront Park.

The United States Code states that: “No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.”

Additionally, “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, preferable by burning.”

In the ceremony, an old flag is presented to the audience and narrators give a short history of the U.S. flag and how it has represented the country through the years. When it was time to “retire” the old flag, the scouts salute and the various sections of the flag are separated from each other, white stripes, red stripes and the stars on the blue background.

The red stripes symbolize sacrifice and the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation. The white stripes symbolize the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons or daughters in battle. The blue field symbolizes the loyalty of all its defenders. The stars, clustered together, symbolize the fifty states as one for God and Country.

About 20 members of Troop 1541 conducted the ceremony.