05/25/09: Saying ‘Good bye’ to Old Glory: Hamburg American Legion Formerly Disposes U.S. Flags

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 05/25/09
The American flag waves in national pride and lies on the caskets of soldiers who’ve died.
“You don’t want to desecrate the flag. When you display the flag you’ll want to display properly whether it’s on a flag pole or hanging on a building. And you also want to dispose of it properly too,” Hamburg Moose Lodge 992’s Peter Ruof.
The lodge has helped dispose worn out flags for the past two decades.
Members and volunteers held a watch-fire to discard more than 200 worn out star spangled banners. It’s honorable way to say goodbye to ‘old glory’ now tattered, sun-bleached and riddled with holes.
There are only three way you can get rid of an aged US flag. Shred it, burn it, or drop it off at your area American Legion post.
The Hamburg Moose received congressional approval 20 years ago to conduct flag burning. The flags come from a local American Legion post and some volunteers bring them in their arms.
“This is a way to remember the guys that have done it for us, to give us or freedom,” said Hamburg Moose 992’s Michael McLennan.
Many moose members are veterans and say it’s important to remember troops fighting for the u.s.a.
“Remember there are people over there in Baghdad, Afghanistan and all the troops around the world. They’re all fighting a battle somewhere,” McLennan added.