The American Legion conducted its annual flag retirement ceremony, at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Veterans Memorial Park, 520 N. Genesee Street, Morrison, IL. A small group of attendees watched “as we cleanse and purge these flags,” stated the Chaplain.
Flags that have been deposited in the organization’s flag drop box throughout the year are burned, pursuant to the U. S. Flag Code and Resolution 440 of the 19th National Legion Convention, reported Sergeant-at-Arms Jerry Brearton. (On this day 320 pounds of fabric was incinerated.) He told observers also inside the box were four ritual linens, with a note from Father James Brzezinski. It stated the “blessed and sacred linens” used at Church of Saint Anne-Episcopal, 401 N. Cherry Street, were to be burned.
Brearton read a Citation of Appreciation to City of Morrison, Public Works Department. Commander Larry Zuidema presented Mayor Scott Vandermyde with the certificate.
Chief Dennis VanZuiden has trained five weeks, so far, in Chicago, IL, to be Chief. He masterfully sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” He and Commander Zuidema placed the final U. S. flag upon the pyre.
Fireman Joe Bielema brought the Department’s largest Engine, Number 4, to the Ceremony. First, he installed appropriate flags around the perimeter of the vehicle.
Next was a three-rifle volley by the Firing Party. Left-to-right are Flag Bearer Garry Seaman; Larry Saling; Jeff Steele; Ken Petersen; Bob Brands; Ken Brainerd; Larry Zuidema (not photographed.) Carolyn Aiken offered the musical tribute.
