Flag Retirement Ceremony held Sept. 11th in Booneville, Arkansas

The Inaugural Flag Retirement Ceremony, held in Booneville, Arkansas, opened with a welcome to everyone in attendance. The retirement flag was escorted to Booneville by several motorcycle riding clubs. Led in by Joe Robine, Executive Director with the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association, other participating clubs included our local 479er Motorcycle Riding Club, Veteran of Foreign War Riders, and Missing in America Project.

Colors were posted by area scouts.

Master of Ceremonies Burt Jones accepted the ceremonial flag from Joe Robine, Gina Gustafson, Crystal McCubbin, Sparky Weaver, and Junior McMaster.

The National Anthem was sung by Debbie McPherson of Booneville.

The invocation was given by Gina Gustafson with Missing in America Project.

Burt Jones asked for those in attendance to assist with dismantling the flag. The field of stars was the first to be dismantled, followed by each stripe. The ceremonial reading was given by Ambassador Girl Scout Shea Hall. Each portion of the flag was folded and then laid to rest on the ceremonial fire by members of the community, led by Aaron Brewer.

A hat was passed to take donations to help support Billy Don Strickland and his wife Sharon. Billy Don has been in the hospital for several months. A total of $850 was raised. Thank you to everyone who donated. The money will go a long way to help the family in their time of need.

Debbie and Richard McPherson performed “America the Beautiful” and Richard McPherson closed with prayer. The fire was left to burn itself out, according to the guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

A special thank you to all the Veterans who attended and participated. A special thank you to the Booneville Fire Department and our local law enforcement for their support of the event. Planning is already underway for next year, so please save the date for Sept. 11, 2023. We would love to have you join us.

Participating Scouts include the Diamonds of AOT Girl Scout Senior Ambassador Troop #4234 of Booneville, Cub Scout Pack 1009 of South Logan County, and Westark Area Council Boy Scout Troops 2316, 19G, and 330.