Hunterdon VSO Sponsors Flag Retirement

On Monday, June 17th Hunterdon County’s Veterans Services Officer joined with the Hunterdon County Marine Corps League “Hunterdon Bulldogs” Detachment 927 to hold a solemn flag retirement ceremony at the County’s Fire Training Complex in Annandale to retire worn and tattered American flags that had been collected from the community throughout the year.

In a ceremony steeped in tradition, Kevin Cahalan, a county resident, U.S. Marine Veteran and Officer with the Hunterdon Bulldogs, conducted the ceremony according to guidelines set forth by the National Flag Foundation. Mr. Cahalan was joined by fellow Bulldog, Sam Hall, and several members of the local DAR chapter.

Freeholder Board Deputy Director John E. Lanza, Veterans liaison, said, “The service provided by the Hunterdon Bulldogs, not only to collect the flags which are tattered and worn all year long, but to also respectfully retire those flags with a proper ceremony, is greatly appreciated by the Freeholder Board. We collaborate all year with our county’s Veterans and their selfless service, which continues well past active duty, proves their commitment to this great nation.”

Several hundred flags had been collected over the past few months and set aside for retirement. With more than a dozen veterans on hand, and the County’s Veterans Services Officer, Rich Booth in attendance, the ceremony started with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of “God Bless America.”

Rich Booth, Hunterdon County’s Veterans Services Officer said, “Our Veterans in Hunterdon County do so much for the community. The flag retirement ceremony is just one example, but it is an important final tribute to the symbol of our nation. We are grateful to all who were involved in the June 17th ceremony.”

Hunterdon County residents can find the deposit boxes at the main County Library, at the Route 12 Complex in Raritan Township and at the North County Library, 65 Halstead Street in Clinton. Residents who would like more information or need assistance finding the refurbished mailbox, please contact email: rbooth@co.hunterdon.nj.us.