Veterans at Sunnyside Retirement Community led a Flag Day ceremony on June 14 to honor and properly retire worn American flags in a solemn observance held by the community’s lakeside firepit.
Marine Corps Capt. Jim Fisher, a Sunnyside resident, led the event, which included the formal retirement of several U.S. flags through ceremonial burning, in accordance with U.S. Flag Code guidelines. Residents, staff, and families gathered in support, many of them veterans themselves.
“Today, we retired these flags with the dignity they deserve, and in doing so, we uphold the values they represent,” Fisher said.
The ceremony opened with a welcome and remarks by Lou Bukaskas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a brief overview of proper flag etiquette. Residents George Gibbs, Rich Hall and Linda Lee DiVecchia delivered readings that reflected the meaning of the flag and the values it represents.
Participants carefully separated the flag’s red and white stripes and the blue field of stars before placing them in the fire. Taps was played to conclude the formal proceedings.
Afterward, attendees shared stories and reflections over light refreshments.
Flag Day, observed annually on June 14, commemorates the 1777 adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. At Sunnyside, it also serves as a time for honoring service, sacrifice and community.
