Dinner and a Flag Retirment Ceremony

Ben and I headed out to the campsite this afternoon for dinner and the Flag Retirement Ceremony. Ron made a WONDERFUL meal of country style steak, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Afterwards, the Scouts participated in a Flag Retirement Ceremony with the American Legion. I have never been to a ceremony and it was.....unbelievably beautiful. I won't go into the details, but stripes were burned in recognition of the first 13 colonies and then the Eagle scouts placed a flag on the fire and then we were all invited to participate in retiring the remaining flags (I believe there were about 200 flags total). Clay played "Taps" on his trumpet and did an AMAZING job! I was very proud of him!

After the ceremony, we hung around the fire for a couple of hours, enjoying cocoa, dutch oven apple cobbler (yum yum...nothing like it!), great conversation, the night sky and the wonderful outdoors.

It was almost sad to go because it had been such a perfect Saturday evening.

Clay practices "Taps" before the ceremony.

The troop had the area ready for the Retirement Ceremony.

Ron serves Clay his country style steak. That was one of the best camping meals I've ever had.

Ron and I are both extremely proud of Clay. And, Ron loves spending scouting time with Clay!

As soon as the sun went down, it got cold....really fast. I forgot gloves and had to borrow Ron's.

I thought this made a very poignant picture: An American Legion veteran surveying the area before the ceremony.

Clay bugling "TAPS".....

For the next series of pictures, really, no words are necessary. Just look at them carefully and consider the seriousness and solemnity of our Flag and the respect that it deserves. It doesn't just represent our 50 states, but also the men and women who have ensured, and continue to ensure, our rights and freedom. I hope that you will reflect on what the Flag truly means to you.

After the ceremony, we warmed up around the fire and enjoyed apple cobbler!