Flag Retirement Ceremony

The flag at the church has been hashed.  The ends of the stripes have frayed apart, it's very faded, and has been subject to the weather for years.  It was time for a new one.  We had a short but lovely flag retirement ceremony this evening, and Brandt and Kent participated.  While sitting under the trees in the front of the building, the cub scouts lowered and folded the flag that was going to be retired. 
we listened to a brief talk by Eric Jensen who shared two experiences with the flag.  He has traveled extensively throughout the world, and he always thrills a bit when he sees Old Glory flying over a US embassy.  He has also been responsible for accompanying the bodies of fallen warriors home to America and been deeply moved by their flag-draped caskets.  The bigger scouts were then responsible to raise the new flag, and this is where Brandt and Kent helped out.  With the help of Evan Runia, they hoisted the flag and we all said the Pledge of Allegiance.  I don't have occasion very often to recite the Pledge, and I find it very moving.  I often tear up when saying it.  We had a closing prayer and then got to eat cookies.  It was not a long service, but very patriotic.  We were glad we participated.