U.S. flags retired in Chappell ceremony

CHAPPELL -- The Chappell VFW held a service retiring well-used American flags Thursday.

The stars and stripes that have identified the United States for more than 200 years. Often the flags are flown until their fabrics are worn. Flags are treated with specific procedures when their life is ending.

Bill Klingman, member of the Chappell VFW, said it is almost a somber experience.

"There's a set procedure how the flags are to be retired. They have to be properly folded. And then, at that time they are presented to a, in this instance today, a fireman," said Bill Klingman, Chappell VFW.

Klingman said the firefighter then carries the flag to its final place. He said the paperwork stipulates it has to be a very hot fire. The flags in today's ceremony were from locations within the Chappell community.

"They were from all over Chappell. They are collected at the VFW Post, or the Service Officer's office, but they're is also a drop-off place in the courthouse," he said.

The retired flags are care for before the retirement ceremony.

"All of these flags ... last Sunday ... three of us showed up at the Service Officer building downtown in Chappell and we folded all of the flags. Some of them are so tattered and torn that it was a real struggle," he said.

Klingman said a flag retirement service is not solemn as much as it is hopeful.

"These flags have been replaced with a brand fresh, new flag. And if anybody needs flags, talk to any VFW member and they be able to direct to you where you can get them," he said.