LABELLE -- On June 14 Dana-Howard-Weekley American Legion Post 130 held a Flag Retirement Ceremony at the post.

The post sends a special thank you to the LaBelle Fire Department and First Baptist Church Trail Life Group who came out to assist with the ceremony along with those in the community who showed up to support the ceremony.

The Flag Retirement Ceremony guideline states:

It is important that the fire be sizable -- preferably having burnt down to a bed of red hot coals to avoid bits of the flag being carried off by a roaring fire -- yet be of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

The color guard assigned to the flag opens up it tri-corner fold and then refolds the flag in a coffin-shaped rectangle.

When all is ready:

1. Assemble around the fire. The leader calls the group to attention.
2. The color guard comes forward and places the flag on the fire.
3. All briskly salute.
4. After the salute, but while still at attention, the leader should conduct a respectful memorial service as the flag burns. National Flag Foundation recommends singing "God Bless America" followed by an inspiring message of the flag's meaning followed by the "Pledge of Allegiance" and then silence.
5. When the flag is basically consumed, those assembled, with the exception of the leader and the color guard, should be dismissed single file and depart in silence.
6. The leader and the color guard remain until the flag is completely consumed.
7. The fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.