VFW 2452 retires U.S. flags with dignity

It may surprise some readers to know that the two approved ceremonial methods of retiring the Flag of the United States is to either bury it or burn it.

There are several steps before this, which involve maintaining the integrity of the different parts of the flag and demonstrating appropriate levels of respect. But on Thursday evening in the summer heat, about 60 residents gathered at the Norwood VFW Auxiliary Post 2452 to pay their respects to flags that had become worn, torn or otherwise unserviceable to properly represent the ideals of the United States.

VFW Post # 2452 Auxiliary Secretary (and former president) Lisa Silletti led the ceremony, along with Boy Scouts Cub Pack 49 and Scout Troop 49, in preparing each flag for its retirement. She and the scouts folded up the flag and cut its constituent parts in the prescribed manner – https://gvimes.link/flgret

Silletti, the scouts, residents and VFW members were joined by the Colonial Pipers – also members of the Colonial Boys Marching Band – who provided music for the ceremony. She then read out a first-person perspective from the point of view of Old Glory.

“I am more than just red, white, and blue cloth shaped into a design. I am a silent sentinel of freedom,” Silletti read. “My strength comes from your willingness to give help to those who are in need. You strive for world peace yet stand ready to fight oppression. You send resources and offer technology to less fortunate countries so they may strive to become self-sufficient. You feed starving children. You offer a home to anyone who will pledge allegiance to me.”

The reading also included a farewell from Old Glory.

“As you cut and rip me apart and watch me burn, do not be sad or feel sorry for me,” Silletti read. “I have had the great Honor of being your Flag of the United States of America and the Republic for which I stand, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

During portions of the ceremony, Silletti became a little choked up. She said the Flag, and what it represents to her family, have a deep impact on her.

“It’s because when I talk about liberty and citizenship and our American Flag and all the symbols that go with it – I just get choked up,” she said. “And obviously there have been a lot of recent events. My husband is a veteran, my son is now in the Coast Guard, and my family has a long history of military service. I have had relatives killed in times of war or simply doing their duty in the military. So when I talk about the U.S. Flag, it means a lot to me.”

Silletti said the VFW will be looking to host such retirements in the future to allow residents to be a part of the ceremony.

“We’ve done smaller ones over the last few years, where we don’t invite the public, especially during COVID-19, but this year we’re doing a big one on Veterans Day this year,” she said.

Silletti said she was very grateful for the turnout they had on Thursday.

“We had veterans representing almost every branch of the service tonight,” she said. “I think they find it meaningful. They fought for our freedoms and the freedoms our Flag stands for. I think they feel the community here.”

Silletti also said she wanted to help the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts earn factors towards their rank advancement and badges, and so the ceremony was designed to help them advance.

Pack 49 Leader Matt Kelly and Assistant Pack Leader Phil Karcher said this was their first such retirement ceremony, and said they were glad the kids got the experience.

“We always love to help out,” Kelly said. “I think this is pretty moving, and a nice way for different members of the community to come together; the pipers, the scouts, the veterans, it’s a nice evening, even if it’s a little hot.”

Karcher said the kids first practiced with paper flags at a recent Cub Scout meeting before coming to do the real thing.

“It’s great for the kids to connect,” he said. “They get to see the real thing in action in a really meaningful way. It’s just great.”

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Veterans Tony Texeira and John Naymie said they also had never seen such a ceremony, and felt that Silletti did an excellent job.

“It was organized nice,” Texeira said. “This was my first time, but our president told us exactly what goes on, the scouts come down and put the flags in the fire. I’ve been in the Auxiliary for six years, but this was my first one.”

“Lisa does a fabulous job here at the VFW, and she did a fabulous job today,” Naymie said. “It was conducted well, with dignity and she entertained the kids.”

“She does an awesome job here,” Texeira added.

One VFW member who asked not to be identified said this was their first time as well, but they said when they heard about it, they had to come.

“It’s just part of my DNA, I don’t know what you want to call it,” they said. “I like to see the young people get involved, and that’s what I heard was happening. The Boy Scouts, the Cub Scouts, the Girl Scouts and the Pipers.”

Auxiliary Member Rebecca Shannon said she came out with her husband, who is a marine. She said she has been to many such retirement ceremonies. But, in light of the passing of U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Sheehan, she said the ceremony held a special significance this year.

“It was very nice,” she said. “We lost an Army Veteran. His wake was today and his funeral is tomorrow, so it was very poignant here.