Mast Store collecting flags for Retirement Ceremony
October 10, 2023
The Original Mast Store in Valle Crucis, in conjunction with Scout Troop 109, is hosting a flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, November 11 at 10:30 a.m. United States flags that are no longer serviceable can be dropped off to be retired at the Mast General Store at 1601 Main Street in Downtown Columbia through November 1.
The Stars and Stripes has been an enduring symbol of our nation since 1777, when the motif was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official flag of the United States of America.
Its red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies and their struggle for independence. The stars on the blue background are referred to as the Union. The colors also hold special meaning – red stands for valor, white signifies purity, and blue represents loyalty.
The US Flag Code says that when a flag is no longer in a condition to be displayed because it is faded, ripped, or torn, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. Tradition holds that the “dignified way” is by burning. Many people struggle to find the right way to retire their worn flags, so this ceremony provides a needed service each year and is an opportunity to recognize and thank our veterans for their sacrifice for our country.
Members of the public, active military personnel, and all veterans are invited to attend the ceremony on November 11 at the Original Mast Store in Valle Crucis, NC.
