Kingfisher Boy Scouts Troop 196 conducted a flag retirement ceremony last Saturday (Flag Day) at the Kingfisher Elks Lodge.

The Scouts were joined by Elks officers and members as they lowered and folded the old flag, preparing it for its proper disposal, and then raising a new one.

Scouts taking part were Daxton Nicholson, Clay Barrett, Nathaniel Chavez, Blake Sigl and Caleb Dennington.

They were led by Scoutmaster Debbie Osborn and Assistant Scoutmaster Brandon Nicholson.

“We are here today to honor the symbol of our country and to retire a flag which has served its useful life as a symbol of freedom and of our country,” said Osborn, who then read a script often recited in retirement ceremonies: I am your flag. I was born on June 14, 1777. I am more than just a piece of cloth shaped into a colorful design; I am the silent sentinel of freedom for the greatest sovereign nation on earth. I am the inspiration for which American patriots gave their lives and fortunes; I am the emblem of the United States of America.

I have led your sons into battle from Valley Forge to Vietnam. I was present at the Civil War, two world wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War; all of them. I was there with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Neil Armstrong and I am here with you now.

I have flown through peace and war; through strife and prosperity and, through it all, I have always been respected.

My red stripes symbolize the blood spilled in defense of this glorious nation. My white stripes, the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons and daughters in battle.

My blue field represents God’s heaven under which I fly, and my stars, clustered together, unify the 50 states as one nation for God and Country.

I am “Old Glory” and I proudly wave on high. Honor me, respect me, and defend me with your lives. Never let our enemies tear me down from my lofty position, lest I never return.

Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive earnestly for the spirit of democracy, and keep me always as a symbol of freedom, liberty and peace in our country.

When it comes the time when I am old and faded, do not let me fly in disrepair, rather retire me from my duties only to replace me with a new flag so that I may continue to symbolize our great country.

With this, renew your commitment to what I stand for and pledge your allegiance to me one final time.

After the ceremony, the Troop 196 members and their families were fed by the Elks Lodge.