American Legion Remembers Veterans, Retires Flags

The held an emotional Memorial Day service and flag retiring ceremony Monday afternoon.

"Memorial Day is a day to remember and be thankful for those who served and paid the price," said Post Commander Bob Watson. "Loved ones will be remembered, tears will be shed and stories will be told."

Dozens of war veterans and family members attended the program, which opened and closed with prayer and included recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the Constitution. State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier, an officer from the Maryland Air National Guard and other post officials also addressed the audience.

Following the service, the Boy Scouts of Troop 130 retired several deteriorating American flags, which had been collected by post members. One large flag had to be cut into several pieces before it was burned in a large barrel in the post parking lot.

"It's always emotional to retire a flag because you're taught to never destroy or harm the flag," said Dylan Ferris, an 11th grade student at .

The Boy Scouts represent hope for the future of the post, said Auxiliary President Sharon Holt.

"It's important that we had the young people here. They're going to continue this," Holt said.