Members of Gulf Shores High School’s Navy Junior ROTC detachment joined with members of the American Legion Post 44 in Gulf Shores on Wednesday morning for a flag disposal ceremony.

The ceremony includes burning flags that have been donated by citizens for disposal.

“This is something that is very dignifying to veterans as well as to our nation,” said Wayne Stacey, Commander of American Legion Post 44. “The colors of our flag represent every citizen of the United States of America.”

Stacey said because so many men and women have proudly served to protect the country that the American flag represents, it is only fitting that the tired and worn flags be disposed of in the proper manor.

Worn flags

“Unfortunately, a lot of our citizens don’t understand this. That is why the American Legion and other service organizations go to great lengths to make sure that the citizenry understands where they can take their worn, tattered flags, unserviceable flags, so that they can be disposed of properly.”

Stacey acknowledged the efforts of the ROTC members, calling them great examples for our future.

“You know, a lot of times we don’t give our younger people credit,” Stacey said. “As we get older, they get worse. But when you view what these young people are doing, it will change your opinion of our young people.

“We know that our nation is in good hands when we’ve got young people like this coming along behind us.”

Gulf Shores student Paige Carlisle sang the National Anthem before the ceremony which included members of the American Legion saluting the flags while Taps was played.

National

Commander

On Monday, Post 44 welcomed National American Legion Commander Jimmie L. Foster, who is one a year-long tour, visiting posts all across the country.

“Over seven days, he is visiting five posts in Alabama,” said Stacey. “At only two posts is he doing more than just a 30- to 45-minute stop-in. We were one of the two. We had him here (Monday) from 11 a.m. until this morning. He is a very impressive gentleman. When he speaks about veterans and about military service, he speaks from the heart and he means every word of it.”

Stacey emphasized that citizens should be thankful for and appreciative of veterans who have provided us the freedoms that we enjoy.

“We all thank you as a nation. We thank you as fellow veterans. Because without you, we would not be able to be standing here today participating in a ceremony of this type. Thank veterans whenever you see them. Anywhere, anyplace, anytime.”