After spending Friday night at Veterans Park, Boy Scout Troop 553 gathered around the flag pole Saturday morning for a ceremony.

The event was planned to honor area veterans and also to perform a flag retirement ceremony. Most of the flags brought to the troop were ceremonially burned Friday night by seven scouts and seven adults. The troop received 52 U.S. flags, eight N.C. flags and three Surry County flags which were ready for retirement.

“Our troop believes it is important. The flag is the emblem of our nation. When it is no longer fit for service, it should be given the proper respect, not just thrown in the trash,” said Jamie Poe, who organized the event and is also an Army veteran. “It is important that our youth learn the proper respect.”

One flag, which was hoisted on the flag pole at the park, was saved for Saturday morning’s ceremony. The Boy Scouts lowered the flag and cut it into strips according to color. The pieces were then burned by color as the spectators looked on.

When the burning ceremony was complete, the scouts hoisted a new flag to fly over the park.

Veterans who attended the ceremony also were honored as the service song for each branch of the military played. Each of the veterans received a grommet, the brass ring that remains when a flag is burned. The grommet also is considered by many to bring good luck.

According to a reading provided by the troop, the circular shape of the grommet is meant to remind of the circle of sacrifice that the military of this country has borne for more than 233 years.

The scouts participating in Saturday morning’s ceremony were happy to do so because of the meaning behind the acts performed.

“It honors the flag for what it represents. It means a proper retirement for flags is a good one,” said Justin Busick.

“Because of the sacrifice they made for us,” said Stephen Poe of the importance of honoring veterans.

The scouts also felt it was important for the Boy Scouts of America organization to participate in such a ceremony.

“It shows support and it grows awareness for what we do,” said Daylon Shaw.

The troop announced its intentions to retire flags for area citizens and received many flags from both private citizens, organizations and public offices, including Disable American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Surry County Parks and Recreation and the city of Mount Airy. Those who still have flags that need to be retired should contact Jamie Poe at 320-3572. He and the troop will collect the flags for the next ceremony.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.