In a blaze of glory 88 flags were retired by California Boy Scout Troop 120 Monday, June 13, at Proctor Park. Five leaders and 17 scouts were present for the flag retirement ceremony which entails burning old and worn out American and state flags. Scott Jobe, scoutmaster for Troop 120, said the proper process is to burn the flags and the ashes to be mingled into the ground and not thrown away in the trash. The flag retirement ceremony is among a number of events the troop does in service to the community.
"Service to others has been a guiding principle of all scouts since the program was organized 100 years ago," Richard Schroeder, Troop 120 committeeman said. "The Scout Oath says in part, 'to help other people at all times.' Service is a required activity and the scouts are eager to participate. 'Do a good turn daily' is the scout slogan. The scouts are particularly aware of their patriotic responsibility as all good citizens should be and proper care of the national flag demonstrates this."
For more of this story check out the June 22 issue of the California Democrat.