LYNN — Hundreds of American flags were burned at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn on Saturday as part of the second Flags to Ashes — Ashes to Earth American-flag-retirement ceremony.
The ceremony was held by Cpl. Scott J. Shoemaker American Legion Post 210. Flags that were worn, stained, or tattered were properly destroyed by burning under the supervision of the Legion and the Fire Department.
The flag-burning ceremony was started by the Capt. William G. Shoemaker Post 345 American Legion Lynn, which merged with the Cpl. Scott J Procopio Saugus American Legion Post 210 within the last year.
For years, the ceremony involved only the flag burning. Last year, however, the American Legion began the tradition of burying the flags’ ashes after they were burned. The ashes were buried at a monument in close proximity to the Lynn Veterans Memorial Marker, an idea proposed by American Legion Chair David J. Solimine Sr.
Solimine said that the ceremony is all about respect.
“This proves so many people … respect the flag because they respect our country,” Solimine said. “That’s the main reason for us doing it, is to gather the respect of the citizens.”
The ceremony began at 10 a.m. with the reading of “Old Glory,” followed by the cadets of the Lynn English High School Marine Corps JROTC carrying out a performance of the traditional flag-retirement ceremony.
“They were a huge help,” Solimine said.
Also participating in the ceremony were the Boy Scouts from Troop 34 at Sacred Heart Church and members of the Boys and Girls Club. Solimine said that he was glad to see “a great mixture of different organizations” that were able to participate.
He also said that he was grateful for the assistance of Pine Grove Cemetery Commission Chair Arthur Dulong and Superintendent Michael D’Agostino, who prepared and stored the barrels used for the burning.
The American Legion collects tattered flags year-round and Solimine said they can be dropped off anytime at his office at Solimine Funeral Homes, located at 426 Broadway, or at any of the fire stations.
