It came as quietly as it went.
But every June 14 is Flag Day in the United States. And in the late Tuesday afternoon hours, a long-flying flag was retired in Cadiz.
There in the welcome triangle intersecting Hwy. & Business U.S. 68 across from FNB Bank, a small gathering watched the Stars and Stripes be lowered by Jonathan and Steve Darnall. Its 13 bars, each standing for a specific virtue, were neatly cut. As were its 50 stars, representing the states.
Nothing touched the ground. Everything was tucked neatly in a wooden box.
Set to be burned at a later, and safer, date, a new flag was quickly strung up the pole — where it will wave until it, too, whips and withers in the wind.
Organized by the Cadiz-Trigg County Chapter 20 WoodmenLife, Jonathan recited several key facts about Flag Day and its origins.
Curt Holmes, of American Legion Post 74, discussed the “Field of Flags,” which neatly lines the Hancock’s side of the welcome triangle.
Started in 2011 with more than 300 flags honoring local veterans, Holmes said the Post was looking to raise some money through a unique platform, and over the years it’s become a true fixture of the Cadiz community.
For the next couple of weeks, Holmes said he and other Post representatives will be at the triangle in the early morning and late afternoon selling flags and labeling them for families, before closing up shop right before July 4 and observing a reverent closing ceremony for the display.
Holmes added the best part isn’t the money made, but the stories from folks who open up about their military history.
Louise Fuller presented a five-minute reading of “I Am Your American Flag” by James Burns.
Among its excerpts, a stirring reminder of what the flag is supposed to be.
Those wishing to properly retire flags should contact either Chapter 20 WoodmenLife or American Legion Post 74, for their knowledge and expertise.
