Eagle Scout, VFW conduct flag ceremony

MEEKER I Eagle Scout Collin Cochran will join VFW Commander Tom Kilduff and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in conducting an official and patriotic flag retirement ceremony on the courthouse lawn immediately following the conclusion of the parade.
Cochran is a Meeker High School honor graduate of the class of 2012, and was an outstanding athlete, scholar and lead star in MHS Drama Club and International Thespian Society Troupe 1284 productions of “Hairspray,” “Grease,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and The Center Stage Theatrical Group production of “Annie, Jr.” Cochran attended the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011. He will enter the United States Marine Corps in November.
Tattered, worn, and faded U.S. flags may be officially and honorably retired in prescribed ceremonies which may include incineration or burial. The July 4 ceremony will be particularly inspiring and patriotic as the history and symbolism of each element of the flag of the United States of America will be explained. The protocol for the retirement ceremony includes separating the flag elements of red and blue stripes, and the blue and white field of stars. Each element is incinerated individually and a narrative of the symbolism of the 13 red and white stripes is given. Following the stripes, the star field representing each state of the union is suitably retired with appropriate narrative of the first through 50th state in order of joining the union starting with Delaware and ending with Hawaii. Colorado is the 38th state, known as the Centennial State for having joined the Union on Aug. 1, 1876, 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Because of the extreme fire danger level, and stage II open fire restriction, flags will not be incinerated at the ceremony, but will use a simulated electric fire and the segments will be appropriately retired in a safe manner following the ceremony.
Please plan to join the Scouts and the VFW in this very meaningful and respectful ceremony to honor our flag on the 236th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America.