McLean’s American Legion Post 270 held a flag retirement over the Fourth of July weekend that witnessed the incineration of nearly 500 American flags that had been turned in by members of the community. Retired military personnel and their families as well as some citizens attended the flag retirement. During the ceremony, the Sons of the American Legion was also established.
American Legion directors had originally wanted to hold the flag retirement during McLean Day but were unable to do so because there was a lack of space. The flags were retired by incineration as attendees looked on. These flags are not flyable, meaning they have some flaw, such as a tear, are faded or have grease or paint on them.
“This really brings the community and veterans together,” said American Legion member Jack McMahon. Retiring flags is an annual event for American Legion Post 270.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF the Sons of the American Legion has been in the works by the post for some time. At the ceremony 18 members were inducted into this, the first active squadron for the post. “This is a very historic occasion. This is the first time since 1946 that we’ve done anything of this historic nature,” said McMahon. The American Legion has several family divisions under its umbrella. The Fairfax County Police Color Guard was on hand for the ceremonies.