Potential Eagle Scout to give flags a proper retirement

by Eagle Scout, community service, Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department, Scouts, Liberty Park, Veterans Memorial Park

August 25, 2014 4:35 PM

Photo courtesy of Ethan Shaw.

Although you might not know it, there is a right way to retire American flags.

Ethan Shaw is a Life Scout in BSA Troop 119 chartered with Somerby Assisted Living, and he is currently working on an Eagle Scout service project to do just that.

With the help Chelsea Fire and Rescue, Shaw said he is collecting worn American flags in order to properly retire then at a ceremony Sept. 13. He said he chose that date because of its proximity to Patriot Day, which is Sept. 11.

The ceremony, he said, will function as a community event aimed at inspiring patriotism and raising awareness for flag etiquette. As a way to continue his work, Shaw plans to construct a portable fire pit dedicated specifically for flag retirement use.

The retirement ceremony will take place at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Park near Liberty Park.