DAR Regent Alice Robinson welcomed those gathered on the solemn
occasion for the retirement of an unservicable flag. A flag that was worn out in worthy service
and no longer is a dignified tribute to symbolize our great country. An opening prayer was offered by DAR Chaplain
Evalyn Parrish. She included the colors in
her prayer and stated that White signifies purity and innocence, Red is for
hardiness and valor, and Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and Justice. DAR 1st Vice Regent Tina Clune led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Park President Don Levans welcomed everyone to the Park and
gave a brief history of our “Million Dollar Park” including the new expansion
of six additional Walls of Honor.
Casimir Pulaski Chapter President George Wheeless explained
about USA FLAG DAY and when it was made a Nationally Recognized Day by
President Harry Truman.
American Legion Chaplain Larry Boswell narrated the ceremony. The current flag’s 13 stripes are equal in
size and the colors alternate between red and white. The 50 stars appear in a blue rectangle
located in the flag’s canton, or union.
The old warn flag was lowered and taken down from its
position over the Park. Since it no
longer is in good condition, it should not be displayed as our National Symbol.
Two boy scouts escorted by members of the American Legion
Honor Guard delivered the old flag to the Regent of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, Alice Robinson, to be retired properly. The USA Flag is carried by Michael Conley and Charlie Robinson.
Members of the Abraham Baldwin chapter NSDAR received the old
flag and proceeded to cut it apart one stripe at a time as the narrator
explained each step. The first stripe
was for the Virginia Colony followed by New York, Massachusetts, Maryland,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South
Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
As the old flag was being displayed the honor guard took their
position.
Larry Boswell told which of the original colonies each
stripe represented as it was being separated from the old flag.
Pictured with the flag (from the left) are Wanda Maddox,
Tina Clune, Violette Denney, Evalyn Parrish, and Martha Stapler.
Each stripe was presented by Violette Denney to SAR member
Bob Hilliard who after saluting the flag delivered it to Ronald Pate and he
placed it in the burn pit.
Each piece of the flag as it was being retired received the
proper salute from all those involved.
Ronald Pate placed each piece in the fire to make sure it
was fittingly destroyed.
The American Legion Honor Guard watched to make sure the
flag was handled properly.
DAR Chapter Honorary Regent Violette Denney was selected to cut
the old flag during the ceremony.
Bob Hilliard delivered each piece to Ronald Pate as it was
cut away from the old worn flag.
The final piece – the blue field of stars – is never
cut. The entire section is burned last.
Ronald Pate places the Field of Stars in the burn pit.
American Legion Honor Guard members Ronald Knowles and Ted
Merriss stand by during the entire ceremony.
Chaplain Larry Boswell gives his final remarks.
DAR
Regent Alice Robinson delivers the new USA Flag to the Honor Guard to be raised
over the Park.
The Honor Guard takes the new flag to the flag pole in the
center of the Park.
The
American Legion Honor Guard fires their rifles to salute the New USA Flag.
The new flag is prepared to be raised over the Park. The rifle team are for left to right Clyde
West, Joe Harrod and Bobby Laney. Dale
Robinson is in the background.
The
new flag is being raised to the proper position
Old Glory is proudly in place over the Carroll County
Veterans Memorial Park.
Tim Bass is the Bugler and he performed during the ceremony.
Casimir Pulaski Chapter Chaplain Bob Claxton pronounces the
benediction.
Before the program began DAR Chaplain Evalyn Parrish visits
with the Boy Scouts.
Pictured l. to r. are Evalyn Parrish, Michael Conley, Mr. Conley, and Charlie Robinson.
The “Welcome to Carrollton” sign at the round-a-bout marks
the place to turn to enter the Carroll County Veterans Memorial Park, 1050
Newnan Road, Carrollton, Georgia.
