Flag Day
World War II veteran J.C. Baker, left, who participated in an Oklahoma Honor Flight to see war memorials in Washington last week, walks toward the seating area at American Legion Post 1 prior to a flag retirement ceremony to honor Flag Day on June 14, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Tuesday was Flag Day, the oft-forgotten patriotic holiday between Memorial Day and Independence Day. Tuesday was also my first late shift of my internship at the Tulsa World, which meant it was my first chance to shoot in something other than midday sunlight and cloudless skies. I just had to find something to shoot. I came across a flag retirement ceremony happening at American Legion Post 1, the “oldest, continuously operating post in the U.S.,” according to the Legionnaires and members of a POW/MIA remembrance group in charge of the ceremony. For those unfamiliar with what a flag retirement is, United States Flag Code directs that worn or distressed flags be disposed of in a “dignified manner, preferably by burning.” After an inspection of the flag, reading of the National Anthem, a prayer, and formal procession of the flag to flame, eight American flags were turned to ash in a matter of minutes.
It was a quaint yet respectful and solemn ceremony, unlike anything I’ve seen before. I also lucked out with a perfect mix of overcast and warm sunlight toward the end of the ceremony. I’d almost forgotten what nice light looks like.
American Legion Past Commander and Korean War veteran Jim Baker, left, demonstrates proper rifle technique to Vietnam veteran Bob Nixon prior to a flag retirement ceremony to honor Flag Day on June 14, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
World War II veteran Bill Hulsey listens to American Legion commander-elect Rick Alfaro, not pictured, conduct a flag retirement ceremony at the post to commemorate Flag Day on June 14, 2011. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
James Erb methodically lowers an American flag to be retired by incineration during a Flag Day ceremony at American Legion Post 1 on June 14, 2011, as Kim Klauburg and Lisa Milner look on. Erb has been conducting flag retirements for more than 25 years. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
Stanley Campbell, left, and Kim Klauburg stand at attention as Lisa Milner, center, hands an American flag waiting to be retired to James Erb during a Flag Day ceremony at American Legion Post 1 on June 14, 2011. After inspection and ceremonial rites, eight flags were retired by incineration under the command of a POW/MIA group at the post. JEFF LAUTENBERGER/Tulsa World
[...] honor…as World War II veteran Bill Hulsey observes a Flag Day retirement ceremony at American Legion [...]