Veterans, Scouts to unite for flag retirement ceremony in Des Moines or for VFW Day of Service

VFW Post 9127 will bring veterans, youth and community partners together on Saturday, May 2, for “Honoring Our Flag,” a ceremony dedicated to the respectful retirement of worn American flags.

The event, set for 10 a.m. at 4029 Urbandale Ave., is part of the 2026 VFW Day of Service, a worldwide initiative that highlights how veterans continue serving their communities long after their military service ends.

During the ceremony, VFW Post 9127 will properly retire multiple American flags collected through the post’s flag drop box, along with additional flags provided by AMVETS in Des Moines. Members of a local Boy Scout troop also will take part, helping carry on a civic tradition that emphasizes respect for the nation’s flag and the values it represents.

Organizers say the event is about more than retiring worn flags. It is also an opportunity to bring generations together through service, ceremony and shared patriotism. By involving Boy Scouts in the observance, the post hopes to give young people a meaningful role in honoring the flag while reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility and community engagement.

The ceremony reflects the spirit of VFW Day of Service, which mobilizes veterans, service members and community partners for volunteer efforts ranging from cleanups and food drives to outreach events and commemorative projects.

For VFW Post 9127, “Honoring Our Flag” offers a visible reminder that service continues at home, through traditions that strengthen communities and preserve respect for national symbols.