Villagers and area residents learned a great deal about American flags and how they are to be properly disposed of during two flag retirement ceremonies this past weekend.
The events, which were organized by veterans advocate Marguerite Desbrow, were held Friday at Wal-Mart at 4085 Wedgewood Ln. in The Villages, and Saturday at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store at 5630 Seven Mile Drive in Wildwood, which is located in Trailwinds Village.
The flags were officially retired by cadets from the Marion Military Academy in Ocala. They conducted formal ceremonies following all military regulations and traditions. And they took time to familiarize members of the public on the proper procedure for the disposal of worn, torn, faded or badly soiled flags.
Desbrow said it’s important that all old flags are retired with dignity and respect. She said those who attended learned a great deal about our nation’s flag and were quite impressed with the hard-working cadets from the military academy.
Desbrow, who also is heavily involved in Villages Honor Flight and the Flags for Fallen Vets effort, said the event raised also funds for a new obstacle course for the military academy cadets. Those who attended the events were able to take part in bake sales and raffles for patriotic baskets, and new yellow ribbon flags also were sold. They also enjoyed performances by the Hometown Twirlers and a drill team exhibition by the cadets.
The Marion Military Academy is a charter school in Ocala that is dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence. The school utilizes the Army’s Military Leadership Principles to drive behavioral expectations for students who are taught in the four-year Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps leadership course. The students learn about loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Those leadership qualities are integrated into every class and activity offered at the school. Call (352) 245-6600 for more information about the academy.
