Retiring Old Flags

By Rachel Lukas , June 22nd, 2023

Jake VandenPlas hopes that Door County Farm for Vets can be a gathering space for all of the local veteran organizations to consolidate their efforts and continue the tradition in the future. Photos by Rachel Lukas.

Door County Farm for Vets hosted a Forestville American Legion Post 372 flag-retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14.

Jake VandenPlas adds a flag to the fire during the flag-retirement ceremony held on Flag Day, June 14, at Door County Farm for Vets in Forestville. The fire needs to be large enough to ensure that the flag burns completely, but not so large that bits of it are carried off in the air. Photos by Rachel Lukas.

The American flag “represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing,” according to the United States Flag Code, and thus it requires proper disposal carried out with care and ceremonial burning.

“The American flag is the symbol for all that we stand for and a symbol for all those who have laid down their lives in defense of this great nation,” said veteran Jake VandenPlas, a member of the Forestville American Legion and founder of Door County Farm for Vets, a nonprofit organization in Forestville that provides education and support to veterans.

*Although a burning flag may seem like a shocking sight to some, retiring old flags through a burning ceremony is done out of respect. Photos by Rachel Lukas.*

“Ensuring that symbol is properly laid to rest instead of simply tossed into the garbage is the best way we can protect that message, our symbol of freedom, and honor those who have come home under a flag-draped coffin,” VandenPlas said.

(From left) Arnie Johnsrud, commander of American Legion Post 372 in Forestville; Bill Graf of the Sturgeon Bay VFW; Matthew O’Hern; Bill Karas of American Legion Post 372 and the Marine Corps League; Jacob VandenPlas, of Door County Farm for Vets and American Legion Post 372; Al Kintoft, of American Legion Post 372; Kyle VandenPlas; Ric Johnson, the new commander of American Legion Post 372; Matt Anderson, of American Legion Post 372; Terry McNulty, Door County commander of the American Legion; and Chris McNulty, adjutant of American Legion Post 372. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

Depending on the volume of old flags, the Forestville American Legion holds two flag-retirement ceremonies annually. Learn more by calling Door County Farm for Vets at 920.604.4074.

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