Special to the Journal

Boy Scouts from Dublin Troop 622 retired 42 American flags in a special ceremony held at Camp McNeill, the Cape Fear Council Cub Scout Camp near White Oak.

The flags were retired in accordance with the Unites States Code Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 9, Paragraph K, which states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

Members of the Scout troop, Scout leaders, and members of Elizabethtown VFW Post 8062, recited the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the service.

Scout Kenny Buck stated, "Today we are not burning a flag; we are retiring a symbol of America's honor, courage, and strength. As we honor these flags, we honor all who have worked for, lived for and died for a free nation. Many of the flags we retire here have flown over the graves of American soldiers and sailors."

The flags were burned and buried on a crisp starlit winter night during a respectful and honorable ceremony. All those in attendance sat in quiet attention until the last flag turned into ashes.

Ethan Edge closed with a prayer of thanksgiving and renewed devotion to God and country.