By DRUW GIAMALVA The Reporter
The Albertville Boy Scout Troop 4071 held a special flag retirement ceremony on Monday. A flag retirement ceremony is a dignified way to dispose of a worn-out or tattered American flag. Over 300 flags were retired, as flags had been dropped off at two flag retirement drop boxes at 117 Sand Mountain Dr and 854 E. McKinney Ave.
The boxes were the Eagle Project of scout Grant Fox. Fox, a student at Albertville High School, also participates in the Aggies Marching Band and the Albertville Jazz Band.
The Eagle Scout Service Project is a way for Boy Scouts to show leadership and dedication as they perform a project to benefit the community.
"It shows proper understanding of scouting, dedication to finishing a project and to lead others,” said Fox.
The opening of the flag retirement ceremony was done by Fox.
“I am your Flag. I was born on June 14, 1777. I am more than just a piece of cloth shaped into a colorful design; I am the silent sentinel of freedom for the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes. I am the emblem of America. I have led Our Troops into battle from Valley Forge to Afghanistan. I have been there though the Civil War, Two World Wars, at Gettysburg, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and many other missions. I walk in silence with each of our Honored Dead to their final resting place beneath the silent White Crosses. I have flown through Peace and War.
"Through strife and prosperity, and amidst it all, I have always been respected. My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation. My white stripes symbolize the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons in battle. My blue field represents God’s Heaven under which I fly my stars, clustered together, unify the fifty states as one for God and Country. I am “Old Glory” and I proudly wave on high. Honor me, respect me, and defend me with your lives. Never let our enemies tear me down from my lofty position. Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy, and keep me always as a symbol of freedom, liberty, and peace in our country.
"When comes the time when I am old and faded, do not let me fly in disrepair, rather retire me from my duties only to replace me with a new flag so that I may continue to symbolize our country.
"At this time anyone who would like to stay and help us retire these flags please do so your participation is greatly appreciated,” Fox said.
