Boy Scout Troop 66 Flag Retirement Ceremony

Every year at Forestburgh Scout Reservation, when Troop 66 is at summer camp, they hold an American flag retirement ceremony and over the years it has become the highlight of the week. During the year flags are collected from Aberdeen, Matawan, and surrounding towns to be retired with respect and dignity. When an American flag is no longer fit to be displayed, it needs to be disposed of properly. Troop 66 disposes of American flags in a way very similar to Military rules. The Scouts cut out the field of blue and fold the flag back up in reverse order so the stripes are outside and the stars are inside. The Scouts prepare the flags ahead of time, but always leave a few flags ready to be prepared by new Scouts during summer camp. Each Scout and adult present then dedicate a flag and toss it into a campfire during the solemn ceremony.

According to Assistant Scout Master Ken Kinneman, he hopes the Scouts get a respect for the flag and a deeper understanding of what the flag means to them and to the country. In his words, “if we don’t teach and explain what the flag means, we can’t expect them to understand and appreciate the flag”.

Troop 66 usually holds the retirement ceremony on Wednesdays, as that is when Bob Shea, Scout Master for over 30 years, visits for the day. He makes a point to speak with each of the 50+ boys in attendance, conduct any Scout Master Conferences needed and oversee the flag ceremony. The troop retires about 100 American flags each summer.

Troop 66 wishes to thank the Township of Aberdeen and the Matawan First Aid & Rescue Squad for their help in the collection of American flags. If you have an American flag that needs to be retired, please contact the Troop at http://www.troop66matawan.com.

Troop 66 meets weekly on Wednesday evenings during the School year from 7:30-9:00pm at the Matawan United Methodist Church. The Church is located on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Church Street in Matawan. If you are interested in Scouting, please visit our website at http://www.troop66matawan.com or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Troop66Matawan.

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