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Honor Guard Ron Clark inspects one of the flags to be retired.
Honor Guard Doug Johnson respectfully salutes the retiring flags.
Photos by Vicki L. George
June 19, 2023
Lakehills observes Flag Day
By Vicki L. George
The Bandera Prophet
The American Legion Post 410 veterans in Lakehills held a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, at the Legion Hall.
The five members of the Honor Guard used what they called the Narrative Ceremony. The Legion had eight large boxes and bags of flags to retire since so many individuals and organizations had turned in their older, worn flags. They decided to use the shorter ceremony and publicly retire two flags. They retired the rest after the visitors left.
Honor Guard Tom Kral narrated the words while the rest of the Honor Guard members performed the ritual, which included the presentation and the inspection of the flags, followed by a brief prayer. The four other Honor Guard members are Doug Johnson, Vinny Mifsud, Ron Clark, and Dennis Fedak.
The final part of the ceremony had Honor Guard Doug Johnson take the two flags outside to a barrel, where a fire was already burning. He placed the flags on the fire, one at a time, and saluted each one until they were reduced to ash.
The respect shown to our flag was moving and the visitors left quietly.
The next big event is now in the works. The Legion will host the annual Lakehills Fourth of July Parade and Barbecue on Tuesday, July 4. The parade will start at 11 a.m. All are welcome in join the parade and there is no fee. Entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded.
The barbecue lunch will begin at noon and will feature chicken and sausage, with the usual sides and drinks, for $12 a plate. The Auxiliary will offer homemade desserts.
To join the parade, or volunteer to help, contact the Legion by stopping by 147 Legion Dr. in Lakehills or by calling 830-612-1034. They are open to the public Fridays through Wednesdays, from 3 to 8+ p.m. They can also be followed on Facebook.
The five members of the Honor Guard used what they called the Narrative Ceremony. The Legion had eight large boxes and bags of flags to retire since so many individuals and organizations had turned in their older, worn flags. They decided to use the shorter ceremony and publicly retire two flags. They retired the rest after the visitors left.
Honor Guard Tom Kral narrated the words while the rest of the Honor Guard members performed the ritual, which included the presentation and the inspection of the flags, followed by a brief prayer. The four other Honor Guard members are Doug Johnson, Vinny Mifsud, Ron Clark, and Dennis Fedak.
The final part of the ceremony had Honor Guard Doug Johnson take the two flags outside to a barrel, where a fire was already burning. He placed the flags on the fire, one at a time, and saluted each one until they were reduced to ash.
The respect shown to our flag was moving and the visitors left quietly.
The next big event is now in the works. The Legion will host the annual Lakehills Fourth of July Parade and Barbecue on Tuesday, July 4. The parade will start at 11 a.m. All are welcome in join the parade and there is no fee. Entries will be judged and prizes will be awarded.
The barbecue lunch will begin at noon and will feature chicken and sausage, with the usual sides and drinks, for $12 a plate. The Auxiliary will offer homemade desserts.
To join the parade, or volunteer to help, contact the Legion by stopping by 147 Legion Dr. in Lakehills or by calling 830-612-1034. They are open to the public Fridays through Wednesdays, from 3 to 8+ p.m. They can also be followed on Facebook.