Swan Valley American Legion Post 63 dispose of flags on Flag Day, June 14, every year.
Navy Veterans Edward and Heidi Klassen made sure the 30 flags were properly folded prior to being burned.
Ray Haera tosses a flag into the hot blaze after dipping it in kerosene. Haera served in the Air Force in a supply unit during Vietnam from 1966-1969. "I'm probably one of the few people you talk to that can say I floated on the Mekong River and made it back," said Haera who added that many of his friends did not.
Flags are collected throughout the year and burned on Flag Day. Worn out flags can be dropped off at Rovero's in Seeley Lake or can be given to any of the American Legion members for disposal.
SWAN VALLEY – "It's a matter of respect," said 20-year retired Navy veteran Edward Klassen as he carefully folded a faded, worn American flag.
Klassen and his wife Heidi, also a 20-year retired veteran with the Navy, joined fellow members of the Swan Valley American Legion Post 63 on Flag Day, June 14, to dispose of more than 30 flags.
Post member Dale Aldrich started the Flag Day tradition in the Swan Valley "many, many years ago," said Post Member Ray Opp. "Sometimes he was even down here by himself. He was just dedicated to do it on Flag Day."
Now Opp and post member Ray Haera continue the tradition along with other veterans of the valley.
Flag Day was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson May 30, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until Aug. 3, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day - a day set aside to celebrate the Nation's flag.
Opp said around six years ago Rovero's Ace Hardware advertised that they were collecting worn out flags. Rovero's manager contacted Opp to see how they should properly dispose of them. Opp offered to do it during the Flag Day Ceremony.
"He gave me 64 flags," said Opp and laughed. "We sat down here burning a lot that night."
Post 63 follows the Veteran of Foreign Wars recommendations for proper disposal of the American Flag.
Flags were folded in the customary manner. Prior to burning the flags, the group read the dedication, "To a clean and purging flame we commit these flags, worn out in worthy service."
Individuals then took turns dipping the folded flags in kerosene and placing them on the grate above the fire. The fire was maintained to ensure the flags completely burned.
"I respect America and I respect the flag and that is why I do this," said Haera. "I'll stand up for it all the time."
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