Peterborough American Legion burns unserviceable flags during ceremony

On Wednesday, members of American Legion Cheney-Armstrong Post 5 gathered at Depot Square for the 20th annual flag ceremony. In one hour, members of the post burned approximately 2,000 unserviceable American flags gathered from eight local cemeteries and from homes across the region. 

According to post members, the purpose of ceremony was to dispose of the unserviceable American flags in an honorable way.

“Today is the proper way to retire the United States flag,” said Dee Thomas. 

First, the grave flags used in last year’s Memorial Day event were bundled together in groups of 10, and the larger flags were folded individually. Veterans then gathered the flags, unfolded them and saluted to Commander Wayne Thomas before throwing them in the fire. 

The fabrics immediately caught fire, creating a thick, black smoke in the air, symbolizing the official retirement of the flag.

During the event, Korean War veteran Andy Benoit said he goes to the ceremony every year to pay his respects to his fellow veterans. 

“I’m here to celebrate those who served under this flag and do this for the veterans,” said Benoit. 

In its 20th year, Dee Thomas said this year’s flag collection was smaller compared to previous years. Typically, post members retire more than 2,000 and as many as 6,000 American flags at every annual event.

Despite this year’s smaller turnout, Wayne Thomas said he’s grateful to everyone who came out and supported the cause. 

“I want to thank the townspeople for donating their unserviceable flags,” he said. 

According to post members, the flags’ ashes will be spread at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Peterborough in the near future.