By Carol Schreiber
Staff Writer
Many major dates in history are remembered, not only for the event that happened to change the world, but also for what a person was doing when it happened or they heard about it.
From the attack on Pearl Harbor to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, to the moon landing to the Challenger space shuttle disaster, events are remembered.
The date of September 11, 2001, is also remembered that way. As Alan Jackson said in a song, “where were you when the world stopped turning.” People remember being in school, at work or at home, and they all remember exactly what was happening when they heard that terrorists had hijacked airplanes and flew them into the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Sixteen years later, memories of that date linger in the minds of American citizens and Patriot Day recognizes the sacrifices given by so many.
On this Monday night, September 11, members of the Nobles County Legion Council held a most patriotic program in Round Lake with the retirement ceremony for many unserviceable United States flags.
The U.S. Flag Code states that, “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” So, when a flag is torn and tattered beyond repair, the proper etiquette is for it to be retired and burned.
Many flags were retired in such a manner after a ceremony which pointed out how the flags were well used, flown with honor and no longer serviceable.
Legion members participating in the ceremony came from Round Lake, Dundee, Brewster, Ellsworth, Adrian, Bigelow, Adrian, Okabena and the VFW Post in Worthington.
The unserviceable U.S. flags were then “fittingly destroyed,” as they were burned in the ceremony held near the Round Lake Legion Hall.
While several members tended to the burning, a few other members took time to help some youngsters learn more about proper flag etiquette. MacKenzie Ehlers and Hannah and Emma Hill were able to learn about the proper way to fold a flag, with the help of several Legion members.
As the sixteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks passed, the patriotism of U.S. citizens continues, and we all remember where we were that Tuesday in September, 2001.
