American Legion Post 108 hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony on the afternoon of June 11, at Harvester Community Church at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.
The ceremony retired 357 community flags, bringing the total the group has retired to more than 1,700 to date, according to information provided by Raymond Williams, second vice commander of the American Legion Post 108.
Post Commander Randy Holeyfield presided over the ceremony and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsel delivered the keynote address. Hartsel is the executive director of Florida State Veterans Affairs.
Besides the speakers, the ceremony included the Legion Rifle Team, its Color Guard and a bugler who played ‘Taps.’
Post 108 partners with Pasco County Fire/Rescue, which collects unserviceable flags that are brought by the public to the county’s fire stations.
Post 108 then conducts public ceremonies to honorably dispose of the flags.
Before the ceremony, Post 108 held a picnic, with about 150 people in attendance, Williams estimated.
A Dunkin’ truck was on hand providing samples, and a Tap Truck dispensed fruit punch and lemonade.
Published on June 28, 2023.
