The VFW in Prosser Washington has been collecting worn out old American flags for the past year. In that past year they have collected and properly stored over 200 flags, all in anticipation of their annual flag burning ceremony. The ceremony took place on Saturday March, 20 at 2:00 p.m. I was invited to come and be part of the ritual and am so glad I did.

It was very emotional for so many people, there were lots of veterans who came to take part in the ceremony and you could see it in their eyes just exactly how emotional it truly was. The Boy Scouts also showed up to help out, they were in charge of distributing the flags to be carried to the burn barrels. Each flag was properly folded and placed in a box, from there the Boy Scouts would take them, hold them to their heart and place them neatly on a shovel. From there an individual would carefully walk it down to one of the three burn barrels and set it into the fire. When a veteran carried theirs and set it in the fire they would stand, feet together, chest held high and salute the flag one last time.

The Prosser VFW holds a flag burning ceremony once a year, but they are accepting worn out flags all year long. You can drop your flag off at 1101 Wine Country Rd, Prosser, WA.

I was honored to be part of such a heart warming day and watch these men and women who fought for our country salute each flag one last time. Thank you to all the men and women who have served, are currently serving and will serve.

 

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