YOKOSUKA, Japan - Under cloudy skies and during a constant rain shower, Boy Scouts from Far East Council Troop 35, on board Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, held their annual flag retirement ceremony June 26.
Kim McCann, unit commissioner for Troop 35, said the scouts conduct the ceremony is to honor the flag and retire them correctly.
“It’s something we try to do every year,” McCann said. “We tried to do it on Flag Day [June 14] but this year it rained and it’s raining today, but we’re going to go ahead and do it. We wanted it to be a sunnier day so the community could come out and enjoy this with us. We had representatives from the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, the commanding officer, and the Fleet Reserve Association with us here today.”
Despite the wet weather conditions, more than 25 people attended the ceremony. Several individuals, various commands and organizations donated more than 30 flags to be retired, according to McCann. McCann also said that the scouts learn a lot about the flag as they prepared for the retirement ceremony.
“This gives them pride in being an American,” said McCann. “This teaches them respect for the flag. It teaches them how to honor the flag, and how to properly fold and stow the flag.”
Josh Steiner, a Life Scout, was the master-of ceremonies for this ceremony, and organized this ceremony as part of his qualifications for Eagle Scout.
“America is a great nation and it’s done a lot for me, my family, and everyone that’s ever lived there,” Steiner said. “To show honor and respect for the emblem of our nation is a great thing to do.”
Ian Olsen, an upcoming junior at Kinnick High School in the fall, also participated in this event.
“It makes me feel very patriotic,” Olsen said.” It’s a good feeling, not many people get the chance to do this.”
Date Taken: | 06.26.2013 |
Date Posted: | 07.10.2013 04:01 |
Story ID: | 109953 |
Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
Web Views: | 134 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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