Retiring Old Glory

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Cub Scout Pack 536 of Danville had the honor Nov. 12 to retire the U.S. Flag that had flown over the campus of the San Ramon Valley Christian Academy.

The flag was cut into pieces separating the red and white stripes from the field of blue, which was kept intact to represent the union of our states. The Scouts each placed a piece of the flag into the fire pit under the direction of Cub Master James Knight.

Ashes from the previously retired flag were added to the fire to connect the flags together for eternity. While a new flag was raised over the campus, Webelos Scout Chad Zasso sang the National Anthem.

The ceremony also honored local veterans. Mayor Newell Arnerich of Danville spoke at the ceremony and explained that only two organizations have the authority to retire U.S. Flags – the U.S. Military and the Boy Scouts of America.

The Cub Scouts buried the ashes Nov. 16 in Central Park in San Ramon under a newly planted redwood tree.

By staff reports

Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Webelos Scout Matthew Jackson adds a field of blue with stars into the fire pit.
Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich talks to the students about retiring U.S. Flags.
Webelos Scout Chad Zasso signs the National Anthem.
Pack 536.
Webelos Scouts Jake Grabowsky and Thomas Kolander prepare to raise the new flag.