Hundreds of U.S. flags retired with dignity at special ceremony

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Navy Veteran Tracy Rascoe believes that to desecrate the U.S. flag is a crime.

“When they desecrate the flag they are stepping on and burning the values and the principles of our country,” Rascoe said.

On Wednesday, at a special flag retirement ceremony, he said the flag should be laid to rest with respect just like anyone who has served the country.

“It symbolizes a lot to veterans, to our youth, to our children. It should symbolize something to every American,” Rascoe said.

The American Legion Post 25 and City of El Centro paid their respects to out-of-service flags on Wednesday, June 14 – National Flag Day – at Bucklin Park, by retiring them with dignity.

“This is the first time that we’ve done it at the veteran’s memorial,” Rascoe added.

Imperial Boy Scout Leader of Troop 4070, Ross G. Simmons said, “The flag is a symbol of our country. So, by showing respect to the flag, what you end up doing is you’re showing respect for your country and everything it stands for and everything you believe in.”

Vietnam Veteran Bill Burns retired a flag sent to him by his grandson who lives in Sacramento.

“All the men that have fought and died for the cause and the flag represents all of those people,” Burns said.

Rascoe said the U.S. flag should always fly with respect and retire in honor.