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Flags retired with dignity

6/21/2012 - South Side Leader
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By Joyce Rainey Long

Photos: Joyce Rainey Long
GREEN — More than 3,500 flags were retired at a Flag Day ceremony held June 14 at the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Training Facility, 2825 Greensburg Road, according to Summit County Sheriff Capt. Dale Soltis, who coordinated the event.

Flags that are torn or tattered should be retired by burning them, according to the U.S. Flag Code.

Local military groups, Scout troops and veterans attended the eighth annual ceremony, and U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton (D-District 13) gave the keynote speech.

Shown at right middle is the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and Summa Protective Services Color Guard at the start of the processional.

The Civil Air Patrol assisted with the formal ceremony for burning the flags, which were donated by the community, according to Soltis.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be part of an event where we can honor flags that no longer can be flown in a dignified manner,” he said.

Shown at right top is Joe Italia, a Civil Air Patrol cadet and Kent State University student, sorting some of the flags to be burned.

Pictured at right bottom is Rob Valloric and his son, Josh, 13, of Boy Scout Troop No. 330 in Green, burning a flag.

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