FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY AT THE CARROLL COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK - JUNE 11, 2016

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 1^st 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.