American Legion Post 149, Chapman Dodge retire flags

In honor of the country's national Flag Day holiday, American Legion Post 149 and Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram recently hosted a flag-retirement ceremony.

The American Legion post commander, post chaplain, sergeant at arms and the first and second vice commanders participated in the ceremony, which pays tribute to the American flag and all those who have worked and died in service to our country.

Attendees watched in silence as leaders of the American Legion read an official script and recited a prayer prior to retiring the flags.

"We have presented here these flags of our country, which have been inspected and judged as unserviceable. They have reached their present state in a proper state of tribute, memory and love," said Post Commander Yvette Weigold.

American Legion Post 149 has been a drop-off point for businesses or individuals needing to properly dispose of American flags no longer in proper condition. Following the ceremony, nearly 100 flags collected from the community were disposed of by burning, the most appropriate method of flag disposal. Veterans stood in line with fellow members of the armed forces, and each took a turn at respectfully placing a flag into the fire.

"This ceremony is dedicated to all veterans, past, living and future," said Gary Brewer, general sales manager at Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep and himself a veteran. "Honoring and retiring these symbols of freedom is sacred, and it's a privilege to be here and witness it."

Weigold, who served in the Marine Corps and Army for 27 years, hopes the ceremony will help educate the community on the importance of honoring the flag and the appropriate protocol for disposing of unserviceable flags. She also pointed out the need to regularly host such sanctioned ceremonies, due to the large number of flags dropped off at the post throughout the year.

Those wishing to dispose of their flags can go to American Legion Post 149 at 3470 Boulder Highway or call 606-4633 for information.

Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is located at 3175 E. Sahara Ave. and in the Valley Automall in Henderson.

For more information, call 1-800-NewDodge or visit www.LasVegasDodge.com or call 1-888-207-1687 or go online at www.ChapmanChryslerJeep.com.