Granby American Legion Post #182 partnered with the Riverton Grange #169 recently to conduct their fourth American Flag retirement ceremony at the private residence of Nate and Karen Roberg on the bank of the Farmington River in Pleasant Valley. Event co-sponsors included Riverton American Legion Post #159, Granby American Legion Post #182, Riverton Volunteer Fire Department, Barkhamsted Lions Club, Northwestern Connecticut Cyber Lions and Leos Clubs, Town of Barkhamsted, Barkhamsted Senior Center, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Three years ago, Riverton Grange and Barkhamsted Lions Club completed a Community Needs Assessment and learned that no one in the area was properly retiring American Flags. U.S. code title 36, section 176 states that: “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Retiring flags provides a service to the community, and the nation. A new initiative began and over 2,600 American flags have been retired by burning in ceremonies hosted by Riverton Grange and the Riverton American Legion.
“This initiative provides such a valuable service to all the surrounding communities,” said West Granby resident and Riverton Grange President Dave Roberts, who served as the initiative Chair and Master of Ceremonies. “Torn, tattered and used up American flags have been donated from Barkhamsted, New Hartford, Colebrook, Granby, Winsted and Avon. It was a pleasure to add Granby American Legion Post #182 to our co-sponsors to help with the ceremony and the refreshments.”
Riverton American Legion Post #159 Commander Tim Sweeney served as the Honor Guard Commander for the ceremony, joined by a number of Legion members from Granby American Legion Post #182. Former Connecticut State Representative Bill Simanski, a veteran and member of the Granby Post, participated in this solemn service. A new enhancement this time was volunteered by the Granby Post under the supervision of Immediate Past Post Commander Cliff Burrell, Deb Burrell and Adon Burrell. This was serving hot dogs to all attendees who actively participated in the program. Barkhamsted and Northwestern Connecticut Cyber Lions and Leos Clubs provided the remainder of the food and drink.
Since 1908, Riverton Grange #169 has committed to the development of the potential in families, youth and adults of all ages through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage and enrich lives, notably focused on agriculture and conservation. For more information on Riverton Grange and its many community service initiatives, please contact President Dave Roberts at 858-775-9241 or GranbyDaveRoberts@gmail.com