On Oct. 3rd, 75+ citizens witnessed the burning of over 500 American Flags. Shocked??? No way! This was done at Elks Lodge 1224 with Chapter 14 of the Korean War Veterans Association helping.

The ceremony was done using the proper protocol for burning non-serviceable Flags. Joe Slatton, lodge 1224 past Pres. and also a past Pres. of Chapter 14 KWVA, was chairman of the event. Flags were collected from several sources and only the ashes remainied when the event was finished. The Chapter 14 KWVA Honor Guard fired the final salute and Taps was played by their bugler. Boy Scouts and ROTC members were also in attendence. The ritual and ceremonial burning of Old Glory is a spectacle to behold. Slatton said that the demand for proper disposal has become a problem as outdoor birning is not legal in some areas. Because of this Slatton is preparing for future Flag disposals twice a year. Nothing is written in stone yet but he is figuring on a program on Flag Day and Veterans Day. We wish Joe good luck as this has been a sore spot for many Veteran organizations. Photos by staff photographer Joe Sheehan.