The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Though many people do not know proper flag etiquette, members of American Legion Post 433 honorably disposed of retired U.S. flags in a ceremony for the public on Thursday in honor of Flag Day.

New Providence residents gathered in front of American Legion Hall for the thirteenth annual Flag Retirement Ceremony to respectfully retire the flag presiding there in addition to others.

Many participants spoke about the American flag and its true meaning. Former Mayor Al Morgan said the Flag Retirement Ceremony “shows how much the flag is a symbol to our way of life. America is still a symbol of life to oppressed people around the world. . . and is great because of three words: We the People.”

These sentiments were reinforced throughout the ceremony when another member of American Legion Post 433 called the flag “the symbol of a great country.” People who attended the ceremony couldn’t help but feel patriotic when "The Star-Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," and "Taps" were played.

The ceremony’s true meaning was made evident when members of American Legion Post 433 accepted the flag that proudly flew in front of their hall for retirement. The flag was deemed unserviceable because it had flown for the duration of a year and was folded properly to pay tribute to 12 principles on which the nation was founded. Folded, the flag resembles a military hat as a reminder of the troops that fought under George Washington.

A new flag was raised in front of American Legion Hall after the old one was removed.

The folded flag was placed on top of other retired flags and was set aflame by members of American Legion Post 433. On why the Flag Retirement Ceremony is so important, Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Lombardo said “it’s a way to teach the town the proper way to dispose of and honor a flag.”

Members of American Legion Post 433 that were present included Joseph Clarizio, Post Commander, Thomas Fry, 2nd Vice Commander, Michael Lombardo, Sergeant-at-Arms, John Alliston, Service Officer, and John Harrel, Chaplain. Additionally, the American Legion Post 433 and New Providence Police Rifle Squads participated in the ceremony.

Post Commander Joseph Clarizio explained what Flag Day really means to members of the armed forces.

“[The flag],” Clarizio said, “is something that we as veterans have great respect for. It’s the symbol of our nation.” Clarizio’s admiration for the flag and for our country was apparent throughout the Flag Retirement Ceremony. “I wish more people would come out to this,” Clarizio said, reminding New Providence residents of their duty to honor the most iconic symbol of our country this Flag Day.