Retiring ‘Old Glory’

For their 2025 VFW National Day of Service project this year, members of Post 7756 held a ceremony to teach local Boy Scouts in Gillette, Wyoming, the art of retiring "Old Glory."

On May 3, 12 VFW and Auxiliary members hosted a local Cub Scouts troop and conducted the retirement of more than 400 U.S. flags donated by local businesses, banks, hospitals, schools and the local VA at a flag disposal box near the Post's entrance.

"The respectful, properly performed, retiring of Old Glory is an important ceremony," said Post 7756 Commander Donnell Nichols. "VFW and Auxiliary members in the presence of younger generations set the example of how to reverently retire the colors."

The ceremony included a fire safety awareness presentation by one of the Scouts and a flag presentation about what the flag's folds represent when folded. Afterward, participants were rewarded with an ice cream social.

"It is important for us who know the meaning of service to model and mentor the younger generation on what it means to serve," Nichols said. "Besides that, it is good for veterans to be involved in the community and to display leadership."