We went to Woodruff’s flag retirement ceremony last night. They do a great job with a lot of respect and explain all of the process. This is a great setting to begin with and then add a great ceremony and it really is something.

They start at the flag pole with an old flag which they lower, fold, and march it to the campfire ring. They respectfully cut it into stripes and field, fold that and prepare it for burning, explaining things along the way. Then they ask Scout leaders who are veterans and active service to help and put it in the fire piece by piece, saluting each time. Very neat.

We also had a conversation about the honor associated with being a Scout and I think it sunk in a bit that this is something special that we get to do. Each time we put on our uniform is important. Afterward, They wanted to hang around as the campfire was fading and they observed in silence. I had backed up and observed a staff member emerge from the dark with one last piece of flag. He marched in among our Troop around the fire, deposited it and stepped back when all of us saluted one last time in silence. It really spoke to me and something I will remember for a long time. I hope they do as well.