Michael Tullier, chartered organization representative for Troop 50, said the ceremony was the first opportunity for the boys in his troop to be a part of a flag retirement.

“Part of our commitment to teaching our scouts about good citizenship and character building is sharing the history of our country and involving them in opportunities like this,” Tullier said. “Beyond that, it also gives them the opportunity to earn some of their rank advancements for merit badges.”

Tullier said Troop 50 has participated in other ceremonial services with other organization in the community, but the flag retirement was a good opportunity for the scouts to earn badges and learn about another facet of being an American citizen.

“We do instill citizenship and civic involvement in a lot of these opportunities,” he said. “So it’s about respecting the flag, as well as civic involvement and civic service.”

Following the retirement ceremony, the VFW Post 5404 invited those present and the Boy Scouts to join them for lunch and an American flag cake made by post cook Michael Jones in celebration of the 239th birthday of the U.S. Army.

“There are really three things we’re here to celebrate,” Douglass said. “First and foremost, today is Flag Day. Secondly, we are doing the flag retirement. But third, we are celebrating the 239th birthday of the United States Army, and we’re excited to be doing all three of these things at once.”

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