East La Follette Baptist Church hosts flag retirement

Boy Scout Troop 310 and Campbell Honor Guard conduct flag retirement ceremony before 4th

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – People dropped off their worn flags, and scouts honorably retired those flags during a ceremony Sunday afternoon on the campus of East La Follette Baptist Church.

The flag retirement ceremony was Sunday, June 30, the last Sunday before the 4th of July.  See the photo gallery HERE.

Guest speaker was Logan Hickman, Eagle Scout and U-S Army retired Lieutenant Colonel.

The ceremony was presented by Boy Scout Troop 310 and the Campbell County Honor Guard. Guest speaker was Logan Hickman, Eagle Scout and U-S Army retired Lieutenant Colonel.

Scout Master Chris Thacker (left) and Assistant Scout Leader Stewart Thacker prepare to flags for retirement.

Several flags had been brought and sent to be retired. Scout Troop Leader Chris Thacker explained to the crowd that the red and white stripes and the blue field of stars are placed in the fire separate by the boy scouts. As this was happening, Honor Guard Commander Jerry Hurst prepared the honor guard for the 21 gun salute, seven for the stars, seven for the red and seven for the white of the flag. Then taps was played with everyone standing at attention or their hand over their heart.

Honor Guard Commander Jerry Hurst

As you can see in the photo as the flag   begins to burn, this is a very emotional ceremony for many. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/05/2024-6AM)