Flag Day Commemorated in Stockyards

An estimated 7,000 American flags were properly retired by burning in the Union Stockyards on Flag Day, June 14, 2012.

Over 50 people attended the ceremony, including Congressman Daniel Lipinksi and 11^th Ward Alderman James Balcer, who has coordinated the event for the past twenty years. Representatives from the Wounded Warrior Project, an initiative aimed to assist and empower wounded servicemen and women, were also in attendance.

“We all hate seeing a tattered and worn American flag,” said Balcer, who adamantly expressed how  the flag “defines our nation and the greatness of our nation.”

United States Marine Corps Bugler Tom Day performed “Taps” as the gasoline-doused flags were ignited by flares.

If you are interested in disposing of an old or damaged flag, drop boxes are located in libraries, police stations and fire stations throughout the city.