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Civil Air Patrol's Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony
Submitted by 1Lt. Jerry W. BarronBlack Sheep Composite Squadron (TX214)
Civil Air Patrol
July 7, 2009
Tuesday June 16th 2009, Black Sheep Composite Squadron held their Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony. This took place just days after Flag Day on June 14th. The Ceremony was held at their Squadron Headquarters at the Mesquite Metro Airport.
Freshly promoted Cadet 2d Lt Andrew Smith kicked of the Flag Retirement Ceremony with his prepared introduction speech. Cadet Smith addressed the reasons for the Ceremony by quoting The United States Flag code that reads, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
Following Cadet Smith’s Flag Ceremony's introduction, Lt Col Jack Birchum delivered the invocation and then placed the first flag to be retired into the flames. Lt Col Jack Birchum is the squadron’s only “50-year member”. To become a 50-year member, individuals must serve 50 continuous years in CAP. Lt Col Birchum joined Civil Air Patrol in 1951 and is the squadron Character Development Officer.
As flags were retired using the traditional method of burning, Cadet Smith explained the segments of the flag and their meaning: “The white color signifies purity and peace. The red color symbolizes valor, courage, enthusiasm, blood and life while the blue color indicates perseverance, justice, vigilance and respect for God. The stars in the flag according to tradition are associated with heaven and how the nation aspires to achieve it where as the stripes are the light rays from the sun”. Many of the flags retired on the 16th had flown proudly over Mesquite homes and businesses during the last year. The Ceremony concluded as the final flag was retired by Squadron Commander Lt Col Michael Eberle.
The history of Flag Day extends back to June 14, 1889, when George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City , planned a ceremony for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day. It wasn’t until August 3rd, 1949 when President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
For more information about the Civil Air Patrol visit us at www.gocivilairpatrol.com or in person Tuesday nights at the Mesquite Metro Airport from 7pm-9pm, just behind the flight school.
