Oh Say Does that Star Spangled Banner yet Wave....

This 4th of July, our family participated in a wonderful new adventure. We volunteered with "Freedom's Families" as they hosted a retreat for combat veterans and their families. "Freedom's Families" is a non-profit organization that offers recreational retreats (at no cost) for veterans and their families. Due to the high percentage of divorce among combat veterans, this organization uses recreational therapy to help veterans and their families reconnect with each other. Through recreational therapy, these families are able to improve communication and problem-solving skills. It was wonderful to see this in action.

It was a blessing and an honor to spend our days serving those who had given so much to serve our nation. Each of these veterans had returned from combat, wounded in some way. They were all striving to find a place in society for themselves and their families. They each were striving to do this with honor and dignity.

At the end of a fun-filled 4th of July, we gathered for a "Flag-Retiring Ceremony". For this ceremony, we were retiring a 30x60 foot "Garrison Flag".


Because the flag was SO large, it was necessary to cut it into manageable pieces. Each of the veterans attending the retreat and their families helped with this ceremony. Everyone was careful to treat the flag with dignity and respect. The procedures of "flag-etiquette" were strictly observed.

As we began the ceremony, it was observed that:

"This flag has served its nation well and long. It has worn to a condition in which it should no longer be used to represent the nation."

All those in attendance stood at attention with their hands over their hearts to show respect for this great symbol of our Nation.

Once the flag was quartered, each quarter was carefully burned in the fire. Care was taken not to cut through the blue star-field. It was interesting to learn that the custom of not cutting through the blue star-field dates back to after the Civil War. When the Republic was reunified after the Civil War, it was determined that the blue star-field represented a United Republic and should never be separated again, even symbolically.

As each piece of the flag was ready to be carried to the fire, the veterans took over. Each time, one of them would issue the call to "Attention" and "Forward March!". Each time, these walking-wounded would proceed in formation to dispose of the piece of the flag with reverence and honor.

As the final piece of the flag (the blue star-field) was laid to rest; those of us assembled sang the "Star-Spangled Banner". Then we observed a moment of silence in respect.

I have rarely been part of such a reverent, solemn event. We had approximately 50-75 people in attendance, but the camp-ground felt much more crowded than that. I could feel the spirits of many who had given their all in defense of the symbol we retired that night. I have rarely felt more honored and proud to be an American. I have never felt more proud of those men and women who serve our Nation in its Armed Services.

It was a very fitting end to the day we celebrated the birth of this great Nation!