American Legion Post 5 in Jefferson City, in conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will hold its annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday to commemorate Flag Day.
The ceremony will be held in the Post 5 parking lot at 1423 Tanner Bridge Road. It has been an integral part of American Legion practice since 1937. The purpose is to encourage proper respect for the U.S. flag and provide for disposal of unserviceable flags in a dignified manner.
After the ceremony, Post 5 will unveil a restored 75mm Pack Howitzer cannon at the entrance to the post's main hall. A dedication of the display will take place in September during the post's grand reopening.
Last year, the post underwent several renovations, including gutting and updating the bar, putting in new furniture and equipment, new offices and expanding the outside deck.
Grilled hot dogs and chips will be available at the post after the retirement ceremony and unveiling. Anyone can drop off used or worn flags for retirement at a drop box outside of Post 5.
"This is our opportunity to honor the symbol of our nation and the men and women who have both fought and died for our many freedoms," Post 5 Commander Gary Kempker said in a news release. "We encourage the public to witness this very solemn ceremony conducted by veterans as they properly retire these flags with the dignity they deserve."