Camp Fire members accepting flags to retire
Members of the Camp Fire USA Heart of California Council are using their annual fireworks booth this year to help the community by collecting U.S. flags that need to be retired.
When a flag in service becomes worn, torn, faded, soiled — or in any other way tattered — it should be replaced in a final tribute ceremony. Camp Fire members take part in such a ceremony yearly during Camp Adahi in late July.
“It’s the most respectful way to honor a flag. A lot of times people will be in tears. It’s a very nice tribute and nice way to honor the service of the flag,” said board member Karen Rawls.
The ceremony attended by campers and their parents is held during the last day of camp and only one flag is retired “for the sake of time,” organizers said. The rest are retired in a private ceremony. Older Camp Fire members who have done the most service to the council are honored by being asked to retire the flag...