A ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags as outlined in Resolution No. 440, passed by the 19th National Convention of The American Legion in New York, Sept. 20-23, 1937 was conducted in Ely on July 11, 2015. The ceremony was overseen by members of Ely American Legion Post 555 and was joined by members of the Cedar Rapids Knights of Columbus and the Ely Volunteer Fire Department.
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Scott Droessler outlines the rules and process for the retirement of flags.
Legionnaires Ed Mertins and Bob Jacobs along with members of the Knights of Columbus and the Ely Fire Department stand at attention during the ceremony.
Post commander Marv Peters and Scott Droessler oversee retirement of the first flag.
Over 100 unserviceable flags were retired.
Legionnaires Bob Jacobs and Tom Vavra watch as Ely firefighter Ed Vavra honorably retires the flags.