On the evening of Saturday, June 13, members of American Legion Post 5 Kingfisher, OK and the Kingfisher community gathered for a short but meaningful Flag Day ceremony honoring the American flag and continuing what organizers hope will become an annual tradition of flag retirement.
The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the color guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Cooper Endres of Okarche performed the National Anthem on trumpet before the invocation was delivered by Senior Pastor Adam Click of Kingfisher Federated Church.
A POW/MIA Empty Chair was prominently displayed during the ceremony. The chair, placed at official American Legion meetings, serves as a physical symbol of the many American prisoners of war and service members missing in action who remain unaccounted for from conflicts involving the United States. Attendees were reminded of the importance of securing the release of any American prisoners still held in captivity, the repatriation of those who died in defense of liberty, and a full accounting of those still missing. In accordance with American Legion Resolution 288, a brief moment of silence was observed in their honor.
Before the flag retirement began, Shane Hodge, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron, read the patriotic tribute “Old Glory,” reflecting on the history, symbolism, and enduring meaning of the American flag.
The color guard then presented arms and unfolded the first flag to be retired. During the ceremony, the U.S. Flag Code was cited, which states that a flag that is no longer a fitting emblem for display should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
Ceremony leaders noted that while a flag may vary in material or monetary value, its true worth lies in what it represents: a nation founded on freedom, justice, democracy, and the sacrifices of countless Americans. The retired flags had reached an unserviceable condition through honorable use in tribute, remembrance, and service to the nation.
Pastor Click then offered a prayer over the flags to be retired. Attendees were invited to participate in the retirement ceremony, during which 21 American flags were respectfully retired.
Following the retirement ceremony, Pastor Click delivered the benediction. The evening concluded with Cooper Endres performing Taps on the trumpet, bringing the solemn and patriotic observance to a fitting close.
Photos by AAK Maitland Woody.
