When I go on an assignment, I’m usually there to observe. I go to
take photographs, gather quotes from participants and watch as the event unfolds.
The flag
retirement ceremony Nov. 8 was different. After the Scouts had the
opportunity to carry the flags to the burn bin for retirement, guests were
invited to bring out one of the more than 300 flags outside Holy Spirit School
in Annandale. Knight of Columbus Bob Rose invited me to carry a flag. I was
honored and grateful for the opportunity. I have never seen a flag retirement. It
is was a beautiful ceremony.
Participants carry a tri-folded flag, such as when a flag is
presented to the family of a fallen service member. That lent an even greater
solemnity to it.
I watched the others ahead of me receive their flags. They opened
their arms, received the flag and held it to their chests with their arms
crossed.
I considered the one I was holding and wonder where it might have
flown. Was it at the house of someone in the military? Was it perhaps at a
family home where small children saw it fly every day?
With each flag that was retired, the fire burned hotter and
higher. I thought of the contrast of a respectable retirement in the fire with
those accompanied by protest and hatred.
I pray for those military men and women who served and are
serving to keep us safe and free.