It’s not something you see every day. More than 100 United States flags were retired on Flag Day, June 14 at American Legion Post 141 in Bayview. Legion officers and members of South Whidbey Boy Scout Troop 57 watched as the red, white and blue succumbed to flames of orange and yellow.

“Retiring flags by burning is the honorable way to get rid of those that are no longer  serviceable,” said Americanism chairman for Post 141, Andy Campbell. “Rather than throw them in a landfill, this is the proper way, the American way.”

According to the National Flag Code “the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

“We do this as a community service, to honor the institution of the flag and to show respect,” Campbell said.

As the ceremony got underway, two scouts unfolded the first flag, holding it up before American Legion officials for inspection, then walking it over to the fire barrel where it was laid across the flames and given a final salute. The process was repeated for each flag.

This was the first flag retirement ceremony Marshal Campbell, 86, had ever seen.

“It was really good,” he said. “It’s a nice way to get rid of the flags and it’s good for the kids, too.”

“I am very honored to be able to help the community in the rightful disposal of flags,” said 16-year-old Jameson Gavac, member of Troop 57.

Gavac has helped at other disposal ceremonies, unlike some of the younger members of the troop.

“It was an honor to retire a lot of flags,” said Brock Gray, 10. “And I learned how to fold them properly.”

“Being here, sharing this with the veterans, you learn a lot,” said 13-year-old Evan Mellish.

The ashes from the burned flags will be collected and respectfully buried.

Anyone is welcome to drop off unservicable flags at the American Legion in Bayview during regular business hours. The Oak Harbor American Legion Post 129 on Barrington Avenue also collects flags throughout the year, as does Oak Harbor’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Goldie Road.