Clarksville Scout Troop Celebrating Flag Day with Public Flag Retirement

CLARKSVILLE, IN (June 6, 2024) – The American flag has stood as a symbol of freedom and justice for nearly 250 years. A symbol which many Americans have fought and died to protect and preserve. So when it comes to retiring your worn U.S. flag, you can’t simply throw it in the trash. Proper etiquette and respect are essential to avoid disrespecting our nation’s colors.

Clarksville’s Scout Troop 4010 is hoping to help with that by hosting a special flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, Friday, June 14th at Clarksville’s Town Hall. Flag retirement ceremonies are where families, friends, and groups gather in patriotic recognition of the history and sacrifices made for freedom. Celebrated each year on June 14th, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777 by the Continental Congress. Congress approved the national observance of Flag Day in 1949, and President Harry Truman signed it into law.

Eagle Scout Jeffrey Braden built the flag retirement pit and donated to the town in 2022. — Eagle Scout Jeffrey Braden built the flag retirement pit and donated it to the town in 2022.

The flag retirement ceremony will be held from 5:00-10:00pm on June 14th at the flag retirement pit located on the Town Hall property, near the Veterans Place Memorial. The fire pit was built and donated to the town in 2022 by Troop 4010 Eagle Scout Jeffrey Braden. The Braden family is helping to organize this month’s ceremony and will be present for the entirety of the event.

“We have family member who served during various wars, so we grew up hearing about the sacrifices made by the men and women of this country, ” said Michelle Braden, Jeffrey’s mother. “Our son was so inspired that when the opportunity to install a flag retirement pit for the town presented itself, he jumped at the opportunity to make it his Eagle project.”

Members of Scout Troop 4010 have been collecting worn U.S. flags to retire during the event, but they are inviting local residents to bring their worn flags as well. Flags can simply be dropped off during the event, although the Braden family is inviting community members to assist in retiring their flags. Anyone with questions about the event may contact Michelle Braden at (502) 939-4031. You can also email us at info@townofclarksville.com.