This Memorial Day, the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance invites West Virginians to honor and reflect upon the sacrifices of our veterans. There are various events across the state and country dedicated to remembering those who have given their lives for our freedoms.
In addition to an annual moment of remembrance, held at 3 p.m. local time all across the nation, we remember those who have lost their lives in service to our country with a Flag Retirement Ceremony. Held for the past twelve years, this event brings together veterans, veteran organizations and members of the local community to properly and respectfully retire flags that are old, worn, faded or torn.
Every year, on the day before Memorial Day, local troops from Scouting America coordinate a separate Flag Placement Ceremony. This event brings Scouts – from kindergarten through high school – to place an American flag on every grave in honor of those interred at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there is established etiquette for properly retiring the U.S. flag. In a resolution passed by the American Legion in 1937, it is noted that the approved retirement method for flags no longer able to be displayed, “has long been that they be destroyed by burning.” However, the U.S. flag is such a revered symbol of our nation that burning or any other disposal method in an unidentified manner is considered desecration.
“We invite all West Virginia veterans, their families and any resident to join us for this ceremony,” said Jaime Cochran, Cemetery Director of the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. “This event has continued to grow in the past 12 years, and we welcome families, community groups and individuals to join us this Memorial Day as we honor and retire these flags.”
How you can participate
West Virginians interested in participating in the Flag Retirement Ceremony are invited and encouraged to attend on Monday, May 26, beginning at noon. The event runs two hours and includes a short opening ceremony. While participants may bring their own flags, it is not required for attendance. There is no limit to the number of American Flags that can be brought in to be retired.
“We collect tattered, torn and worn flags all year long,” Cochran. “Veteran Service Organizations across the state, and any West Virginia citizen, are welcome to drop off a flag at any point during the year to be retired as part of this annual ceremony.”
To drop off a flag for retirement, you can stop by the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery or call in advance to coordinate a time to drop off a flag. There is also a flag retirement drop box located outside of the Administration Building.
Details to attend
When: Monday, May 26 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery | 130 Academy Drive
Dunbar, WV 25064
304-746-0026
Parking: Accessible parking is available near the Committal Shelter. Additional parking is available roadside. Overflow parking is available at the West Virginia State Police Academy. Staff from the West Virginia Veterans Cemetery will direct and manage traffic in and out of the facility.