March 19, 2025 — This past weekend, the American Legion Post 147 and VFW Post 3225 carried out a time-honored tradition, retiring 6,112 worn and weathered American flags in a ceremony steeped in reverence and respect.
The event brought together veterans, community members, and families who stood witness as each flag was carefully handled and retired with dignity. Every stripe, every star represented a story—of service, sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of the nation. The sight of the flames rising against the backdrop of the valley’s sky served as a powerful reminder of the values the flag embodies.
Throughout the year, flags from across the community are collected in designated drop boxes to ensure they receive a proper retirement when the time comes. These boxes, located in front of the Community Heritage Center on Veterans Parkway and 3rd Street and on the North sidewalk of the Rex Phebus Veterans Memorial Building, are accessible 24/7. Flags can also be brought directly to the office between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, where they will be set aside for the next ceremony.
Events like this serve as a testament to the deep respect the community holds for the nation’s flag and all it represents. In the quiet moments as the last embers faded, the gathering stood in solemn reflection—a final salute to Old Glory and the ideals it continues to inspire.