Great Falls High School hosted a flag retirement ceremony recently. Tommy Lynch reports - watch the video:
Flag retirements have been an American tradition since 1937, and at Great Falls High School, that tradition continues.
While the flag should be waving high, once it’s old and warn, it deserves a proper sendoff.
Toni Ray, Cadet Captain for the Air Force JROTC said, “We respect and honor the flag. So we honor the flags that we will not be able to be used anymore.”
Ray explains that this is where the flag burning ceremony comes into play.
Ray said, “This is to honor the flag of the fallen soldiers that have fought and have died for our country.”
The Air Force JROTC holds this ceremony every May. They collect old flags from the community, fold them, and ceremoniously deposit them into a fire. It is a measure of respect that their members come to look forward to year after year.
Quyn Reddick, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel with the Air Force JROTC said, “It feels amazing, being able to take part and know how to do all these ceremonial (sic) and being part of it.”
Reddick joined JROTC as a Sophomore.
Reddick said, “I needed a lot of discipline. I was one of those troubled kids back in junior high and freshman year.”
Now, he cannot imagine his High School career without it.
Reddick said, “It's definitely a great way to get a source of discipline and pushing your limits and getting out of your shell.”
Reddick, now one of the many, honoring the fallen.
