FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2020
For more information contact:
Sue C. Sowers, Scholarship Chairman of VFW Post 392 and Auxiliary 392, 757-486-5875
Alison Harrison, Assoc. Development Director of Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America, 757-497-2688 ext. 372
VFW POST 392 AND TIDEWATER COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA PARTNER FOR A RETIREMENT FOR FLAGS
Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 392 in Virginia Beach held a Retirement for Flags on Sunday, February 16, 2020. Retired flags are tattered, torn, or damaged in some way and are burned when they are turned into the VFW Post for retirement. Approximately 100 flags were retired on February 16.
Post Commander Neil Siegfried and Senior Vice Commander John W. Flavin organized the program. Three groups of NJROTC students were present, along with four Tidewater Council Scouts from Troop 499 in Virginia Beach and one Scout from Troop 164 in Edenton, NC. Many VFW Post 392 members and Auxiliary members were also in attendance.
It was an inspiring ceremony with all Scouts, NJROTC students, and adults taking part in the program. Troop 499 Scoutmaster B.J. Allen did part of the readings, which included excerpts from previous speeches regarding the flag, given by past Presidents. Scout members present were Zachary A., Baran O., Leo H., and Nixon T., from BSA Troop 499 and Ethan T. from Troop 164.
Some of the flags were in strips with the blue field removed and burned separately, while some were small and burned as a whole. The line of people carrying the flags to the burn location was impressive. At the burn location, a VFW Post member was at the ready with a final salute for each flag.
About the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Founded in 1899, the VFW is an organization of war veterans committed to ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services and advocating for a strong national defense.
About Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America
Tidewater Council is the 5th oldest Boy Scouts of America council in the United States, established in 1911. Today, the council serves over 5,300 youth and 2,400 adult volunteers in the Virginia cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, as well as the North Carolina counties of Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans. Boy Scouts of America is one of the world’s largest youth organizations. More information about Tidewater Council, Boy Scouts of America is available by visiting www.tidewaterbsa.com, emailing james.parnell@scouting.org, or calling 757-497-2688.
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