Retiring Old Glory: Annandale Boy Scouts Retire Flags

More than 100 flags were retired on May 7 at a flag-retirement ceremony hosted by Boy Scout Troop 200.

The ceremony took place at the Holjes-Sheppard Memorial Park in Lebanon Borough, a place that has a special meaning to the troop. The park is named in honor of two local, fallen heroes and members of Troop 200, Lt. Frederick Y. Holjes and Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot, Robert P. Sheppard who were killed during Vietnam. Sheppard was the troop's first Eagle Scout and the ceremony took place on the 48-year anniversary of his death.

Michael Reino, mayor of Lebanon Borough said he was honored to attend the ceremony and was proud to unveil the Borough’s new KIA flag which the scouts raised on the flag pole overlooking the park.

Local flag expert and past Troop 200 Scoutmaster, Larry MOAT Friend shared his extensive knowledge about the American flag and its history. During the event, he displayed a civil-war era flag which dates back to 1863 and has 38 stars, twelve less than today’s flags. Over 150 people watched as the scouts retired the first flag.

Troop 200 meets Monday evenings at Immaculate Conception Church in Annandale, NJ. For more information about the troop, follow BSA Troop 200 on Facebook.