Oxford, AL – This past Friday, June 14th, marked a significant occasion in Oxford as the American Legion Post 111 led a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Historic Oxford Square. The event coincided with the city’s popular “Food Truck Friday,” where locals enjoy an array of food vendors and live music.
June 14th is officially recognized as Flag Day, and in honor of this, the American Legion was given the opportunity to perform the Flag Retirement Ceremony during the festivities. At 7:00 PM, the band paused its performance, allowing Post 111 to conduct the solemn and respectful ceremony, which was open to the public.
Preston Hale, representing the American Legion, shared insights with the Calhoun Journal about the ceremony. “I’m with the American Legion here in Oxford, Alabama, and tonight, this being Flag Day, we’re doing our flag retirement ceremony for our community, laid out here on the tables. We have several hundred flags, and we’re asking the public to participate with us as we go through our ceremony. It’s about a 20-minute ceremony, and it’ll conclude with the playing of taps. After that, our actions will be gathered. Take them up to Cheaha Mountain next week, at the funeral procession, to bury the flags.”
Additionally, Mr. Hale shared more infation about Flag Day and Legion events around the day,
“June 14th is flag day and the American Legion Post 111 of Oxford, had programs that gave the history of the creation of our flag, and also the actual ceremony that retired the flags that were worn, torn or beyond serviceable condition. Members of Post 111 held a flag history program at the Anniston Public Library in the early afternoon with several library patrons of all ages. The post taught and displayed flags beginning with the St. Georges Cross through our present day 50 star flag. Those in attendance also learned the meaning of the 13 folds of a flag when we honor our fallen heroes. They also learned how to make a five point star, by folding a piece of paper and making one cut with the scissors. Post 111 wanted to thank the Anniston Library for hosting this event on Flag Day with a special thanks to the library director Teresa Kiser.
The Post continued the full impact of the meaning of Flag Day with a public ceremony retiring the colors (flag). This was held in Historic Oxford Friday night at 7:00 pm. The ceremony began with the Commander of Post 111, Frederick Franklin calling the ceremony to order. Roger Baker the post sergeant at arms, provided a detail of many of the public were present to assist in the retirement of the flags. Some of the participants had read about this ceremony in the recent publication of the Access Oxford magazine. This formal ceremony is directed from the “Manual of Ceremonies” that is part of the American Legions arsonal of literature explaining the many programs that the American Legion and Post 111 provides. During the event that lasted approximately 30 minutes, over 80 flags were retired. At the ending of the ceremony “Taps” was performed by Ms. Annis Ingram. Presiding over the ceremony were the Commander, First and Second Vice Commanders and Sgt at Arms. Typically Flag Day is the day to retire flags as this is when awareness in our flag is brought forward. Post 111 wants to thank the Historic Oxford and Hunter Gentry for allowing us to perform this ceremony for our citizens in Oxford.”
The ceremony was an integral part of the evening, offering the community a chance to come together and honor the American flag through a time-honored tradition. Participants were invited to engage in the retirement process, which included the respectful burning of the flags that are no longer fit for display. This act of reverence and respect is an important part of the American Legion’s mission to uphold the values and symbols of the nation.
Following the ceremony, the flags were collected and prepared for their final resting place. Next week, they will be taken to Cheaha Mountain, where they will be buried in a formal procession, providing a dignified end to their service.
The Flag Retirement Ceremony added a layer of patriotic significance to the lively atmosphere of Food Truck Friday, blending community spirit with national pride. Residents who attended were able to enjoy delicious food, live music, and the meaningful experience of participating in a traditional American ceremony.
*Photos and videos courtesy of Lisa Freeman
