Boy Scouts Present Certificate of Appreciation to NSWCDD Commanding Officer [Image 1 of 2]

DAHLGREN, VA, UNITED STATES

05.23.2017

Photo by John Joyce 

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

DAHLGREN, Va. (May 24, 2017) - Boy Scouts Drew Warder and Lucas Umberger present Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Commanding Officer Capt. Godfrey 'Gus' Weekes with a Certificate of Appreciation after his speech to Boy Scout Troop 1404 at the Dahlgren United Methodist Church. Weekes spoke to the troop about his Navy career and world-wide travels, citing examples of the importance of being prepared and looking out for shipmates, fellow scouts, and teammates in any situation, to include hiking and camping expeditions.

"We always welcome community leaders such as Capt. Weekes to come and speak and participate at our troop meetings," said David Hanger, an NSWCDD engineer who is a Boy Scout parent and charter organization representative, serving as the troop's liaison to its Dahlgren United Methodist Church sponsor . "It certainly helps inspire and motivate the boys to set their goals high. Capt. Weekes's message emphasizing the Scout Oath and his participation in the flag retirement ceremony was a definite treat for the Scouts."

After the presentation, Weekes presided over a retirement ceremony for an American flag that was no longer in condition to continue flying over an NSWCDD building at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. The U.S. code (title 36, chapter 10, section 176, paragraph k) directs that, "the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Moreover, the Boy Scouts of America handbook advises that, "Scouts can volunteer to help replace faded and tattered flags in their communities and to conduct flag retirement ceremonies for those that have been taken down." The BSA handbook adds that, "a national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect and the flag burned completely to ashes."

• Date Taken: 05.23.2017
• Date Posted: 05.25.2017 12:54
• Photo ID: 3421162
• VIRIN: 170524-N-XM313-005
• Resolution: 1024x757
• Size: 263.33 KB
• Location: DAHLGREN, VA, US