Watching My Son Help Retire an American Flag Was One of My Proudest Dad Moments

Moments like these make me proud of my son showing respect for his country while learning about the United States Flag Code.

When cleaning out the home of a World War II vet who recently passed away, two American flags were found that had seen better days. One had a hole in it and both were tattered and frayed. So the Scout Master for Cub Scout Pack 109 of Lisbon brought the flags to this past weekend's camp out in Lisbon to be destroyed in the camp bonfire.

You may be thinking to yourself, "Isn't burning the flag desecration of the flag?" In this case no. The United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k states-“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

So the boys who ranked as Arrows of Light brought the folded flags to the bonfire pit in front of all the other scouts and parents, unfolded each to display it one last time, refolded it and placed it in the fire with hands over hearts or salutes.

I snapped the above picture quickly as I didn't want to interrupt the ceremony, but I had to capture this moment of Jake, on the right, once again making me a proud dad.