Riverton Grange hosts second annual flag retirement ceremony

BARKHAMSTED -- The rain stopped, the sun peaked through the clouds, and in a moving twilight ceremony held along the banks of the Farmington River in Barkhamsted, Riverton Grange #169 hosted their second annual American Flag retirement ceremony chaired by Community Services Committee Chair Dave Roberts. About two dozen local residents attended the solemn ceremony where over 300 used, torn and tattered American flags were respectfully retired in a blazing bonfire. The brief program began with American Legion National Executive Committee member Joe Jackson leading attendees in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Winsted resident Lorraine Paul leading attendees in singing the National Anthem. Following a brief history, meaning and importance of the American flag as the symbol for our nation by Chair Roberts, honor guard veterans George Washington and Joe Jackson respectfully laid the initial flag into the bonfire to be retired. All attendees were then invited to join in the ceremony by

retiring the 300+ flags collected over the past four months by the Riverton

Grange, American Legion Post #159 and Riverton Volunteer Fire Department.

After all the flags were completely consumed in the bonfire, Riverton American Legion Honor Guard Member, Pastor David McGee, closed the program with a rousing benediction. Chair Roberts thanked all attendees for their participation in this year’s ceremony, including Nate and Karen Roberg, members of the Barkhamsted and Northwestern CT Cyber Lions Clubs, Barkhamsted Senior Center members and Riverton Volunteer Fire Chief Norman Byrd. This annual event is just one initiative hosted by Riverton Grange as part of its long term community service involvement which began in 1908.

For more information on Riverton Grange or how to get involved, please contact Community Services Committee Chair Dave Roberts at dave@daveroberts.org or 858-775-9241.

Gatekeeper & Community Services Chair (20192021)

Riverton Grange #169 P.O. Box 155, Riverton, CT 06065

858-775-9241; dave@daveroberts.org

Riverton Grange 169 / Contributed photo Riverton Grange 169 recently hosted its second annual flag retirement ceremony along the banks of the Farmington River in Barkhamsted.