by Colette M. Armijo
RATON — On Wednesday, June 14, in the 400 block of south 1st Street, many gathered to retire national flags that were worn and damaged.
According to the US Flag Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(k) “The Flag, when it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Together, community members within Raton did just that.
The Flag Retirement Ceremony was sponsored by the Raton Red Hatters, The Tierra de Mesetas Chapter NSDAR, and The Raton Scout Museum. The afternoon event also included the singing of the National Anthem by Azia Gentry, an address by Dennis Downing of the Raton Scout Museum, Taps, and the Color Guard. The Cub Scouts of America, The Boy Scouts of America, and The Raton Young Marines together formed the Color Guard, which paraded the national flag for this occasion.
Many turned out for this ceremony, and it was an excellent opportunity for the youth of the community to learn about the etiquette related to destroying a worn U.S. Flag. Special thanks was given to the City of Raton and the Raton Fire Department.
