NSWCDD Commanding Officer and Boy Scouts Retire American Flag [Image 2 of 2]

DAHLGREN, VA, UNITED STATES

05.23.2017

Photo by John Joyce 

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

DAHLGREN, Va. (May 24, 2017) - Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Commanding Officer Capt. Godfrey 'Gus' Weekes, Boy Scout Troop 1404, and parents of Boy Scouts salute as an American flag that once flew over an NSWCDD building is retired during a ceremony outside of the Dahlgren United Methodist Church. Weekes spoke to the Boy Scouts during their troop meeting prior to the flag retirement ceremony he presided over.

"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."

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." The Boy Scouts of America publication "Our Flag" states: "When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest, but blazing fire. This should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect. Be sure the flag is reduced to ashes unrecognizable as a former flag."

• Date Taken: 05.23.2017
• Date Posted: 05.25.2017 12:54
• Photo ID: 3421165
• VIRIN: 170524-N-XM313-011
• Resolution: 1024x596
• Size: 255.09 KB
• Location: DAHLGREN, VA, US