Scouts hosts flag retirement ceremony

In a presentation in Memorial Park on July 7, Edmund Jaskowiak, at lecturn, explained the proper way to dispose of the American flag, as part of his Eagle Scout project. Fellow Scout Liam Perini, forefront, demonstrated that the entire blue and white portion must be destroyed together.

Courtesy Christine Triolo-Jaskowiak

Brian Commisso retired a folded American flag, as Edmund looked on.

Courtesy Christine Triolo-Jaskowiak

Edmund with Troop Commander Nick Sincinito.

Courtesy Christine Triolo-Jaskowiak

Representing members of East Rockaway Boy Scout Troop 121.

Courtesy Christine Triolo-Jaskowiak

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As part of his Eagle Scout project, Edmund Jaskowiak, of Boy Scout Troop 2101, held a flag retirement ceremony in Memorial Park on July 7. He collected more than 500 flags from the community.

Edmund wrote a piece for the Herald in June, encouraging residents to display an American flag at their residence to show support for our country and veterans. He also talked about flag etiquette, and what to do when their flags became old, worn, tattered, frayed or faded.

For example, the union portion of the flag, held up by Scout Liam Perini, represents vigilance and perseverance and is to be burned intact, because it should never be broken.

Many VFW and American Legion Posts have a flag drop box for flags that are in poor condition, and Edmund also collected flags that need to be replaced, and disposed of them by burning at the flag retirement ceremony.