Flag Day: significance and flag etiquette for a proper retirement

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s Flag Day and many area organizations are observing the holiday through retiring their old flags and flying a new one. 

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States Flag on June 14th, 1777. 

Gerald Decker is a member of Leland’s VFW 12196 Post. He said the day is a good time to remember the fallen men and women who died defending the flag. 

He shared flag etiquette for those looking to properly retire their flag and said tattered and faded flags should still be honored, despite being replaced with a fresh one. 

“You should always raise the flag rapidly, bring it down ceremoniously. Never let it touch the ground, and make sure you dispose of it properly. Today is a good day to dispose of those old flags and raise a new flag,” Decker said. 

Decker said Friday, he and other members of the VFW are meeting at Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center in Wilmington for a flag dedication ceremony.