LYNN — The Lynn Veteran Council and American Legion will conduct a flag burning ceremony and interment of flag ashes on June 13, beginning at 10 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery. The event will be open to the public.
David Solimine Sr., who is the co-chair of the event alongside Jack Marino, said that the ceremony is all about honoring the flags and respectfully disposing of them.
“Even though they’re worn out and tattered, we respectfully dispose of them, we just don’t throw them into the barrel and send them to the dump,” Solimine said. “We properly, with respect, complete their life’s duty, and that’s important to me — that we all show respect.”
The ceremony will begin with the burning of the flags inside two large barrels, which have holes in them for air. “We burn them as long as they last,” Solimine explained. “We get tons of flags — it’s amazing how many flags are out there that are surrendered and not usable.”
The Lynn Fire Department will have an engine on site as well. After the flags are burned, two cadets will carry the stainless steel container with the remaining ashes over to the site and place the ashes into the burial vault before putting the cover on. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Castinetti will then lead a special ceremony.
Members of the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, and veterans will be there to help with the ceremony, as well as the Lynn English Marine Corps JROTC cadets, who will receive a memorial medallion for their efforts.
