FLAG DAY

JUNE 14, 2004

Scouts and Scouters,

Have you ever wondered what happens to American Flags once they start to become worn, tattered, and unserviceable? Did you know that there is a proper ceremony to honor the service these flags have rendered as they are retired?

What better day honor flags that have served this country well than June 14th, Flag Day. What better place for this ceremony to take place than Quantico National Cemetery.

Bring your Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, Girl Scouts and families out to the Quantico National Cemetery on Monday evening, June 14, at 7:00 PM. The ceremony begins promptly at 7:00 PM, you should plan to get there before that time to get your units in place. Each Unit will designate a youth representative to represent them during the first part of the ceremony. For this part, if you do not have a flag needing destruction, one will be provided. Once the first part is completed, all those present will be given the opportunity to bring part of a large flag up to the Scouts tending the fire. In previous years, each person has been able to make multiple trips up to the fire.

If you have more flags to be destroyed beyond the one mentioned above. Please bring them a bit earlier so that they can be placed with the group of other flags that will be destroyed the end of the evening.

I know that all Scouts will "Do Their Best" to behave appropriately, but I would also suggest, especially for younger Scouts, that you "Be Prepared" for a period of inactivity while the Units are forming up.

If you have never been to the cemetery, take I-95 to exit 150B (the Triangle/Quantico Exit). Head west approximately 2 miles. The Quantico National Cemetery will be on the left side of the road. Follow the driveway back until you see the people congregating.

We’ll have another great patch in this year, representing both Boy and Girl Scouts, to commemorate the event.

If you have further questions, contact Carol Courtney at CourtneyScouts@aol.com .