Friday, October 26, 2012
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Community members stood for the Pledge of Allegiance as they joined Poland Shepherd of the Valley staff and residents to retire their flags Sept. 30.
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U.S. Marine veterans and members of the Tri State Detachment League 194, Bruce Kirkland (left), Harry Dampf (center) and Raymond Braidich, were proud to properly retire flags and show their patriotism at Poland Shepherd of the Valley Sept. 30.
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Poland Shepherd of the Valley employee, Patricia Ahlswede, discussed her passion for the American flag Sept. 30.
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Neighbors | Eartha Terrell.Boy Scout troop 2 members, from left, (front) Michael Puhalla, Victor DiTommaso; (back) Patrick Brennan, Samuel Buzas, John Brennan and Shane Starling helped retire gently-used American flags at Poland Shepherd of the Valley Sept. 30.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Community members showed their American pride as they gathered to retire their American flags at Poland Shepherd of the Valley Sept. 28.
Used flags were properly retired using the Braidich Burner while participants showed their patriotism and paid respect to American soldiers past and present.
“I’m here to honor our country and pay respect to all the people who didn’t survive. It gives me a sense of pride that I’m doing the right thing,” said Boy Scout Shane Starling.
According to Marketing and Admissions Director, Elida Cowles, she and community residents chose to retire flags in a ceremony after they saw a need throughout the community to properly dispose of used flags with respect.
“My son is a Troop 2 Boy Scouts member, and we saw a need for our flags to be retired in a ceremony. One of our independent residents, Raymond Braidich, who is a retired Marine, was in charge of our Flag Days event and he was instrumental in getting the device, the Braidich Burner, which retires the flags. A lot of people hang on to their flags simply because they don’t know what to do with them and here we can retire them with respect,” Cowles said.
The event was not only an opportunity for some to retire flags, but also gave veterans a chance to remember their time while they served their country. Doris Anderson, who served as a nurse in the Air Force for 20 years, was excited to honor the flag.
“I’ve always had great admiration for the flag. I took care of a lot of soldiers because I loved being in the service and honoring my country. I also like seeing the younger generation here,” Anderson said.