Warwick’s American Legion conducts flag disposal ceremony

WARWICK — It was a solemn occasion.

On Wednesday evening, July 10, members of Warwick’s American Legion Post 214 conducted a ceremonial American Flag burning behind their building on Forester Avenue.

According to the American Legion, the most responsible way to destroy a worn, tattered or otherwise damaged American Flag is by burning. And each year a “ceremonial burning” is offered by officers and members of American Legion Post 214.

The Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is outlined in Resolution No. 440, passed by the 19th National Convention of the American Legion in New York,which was held Sept. 20-23, 1937. The ceremony has been an integral part of American Legion ritual since that date.

Perhaps due to the installation of a convenient used flag disposal box and a favorable public response, there was a much larger number of flags to be destroyed than usual.

After a brief ceremony, during which Post Commander Frank Gilner explained how the flags have served the country and why they are now unserviceable, Adjutant Fred Houston read a short prayer. Gilner then ordered the flags destroyed by burning, the proper and most dignified way to dispose of an American Flag that is no longer serviceable.

Local residents who have flags that are in poor condition are invited to leave them in a used flag disposal box on Forester Avenue outside Post 214. The flags should be placed in a plastic bag or other suitable container.

For additional information, call 986-1290 or e-mail: alegionpost214@warwick.net.