By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The Raton Red Hatters, The Tierra De Mesetas Chapter of NSDAR and Dennis and Sue Downing sponsored a U.S. Flag retirement ceremony Tuesday evening across from the Colfax County Senior Center in downtown Raton.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(k) when a flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Flag day is a fitting day to conduct such a ceremony. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Young Marines all from Raton were on hand to help with the ceremony as was the Raton Fire Department.
Dennis Downing continued the ceremony after the Pledge of Alliegence and The Star Spangled Banner with an introduction and an invitation to participate. 80 plus flags along with about 15 New Mexico flags were retired during the ceremony. The ceremony was concluded with Taps played by VFW Commander Robert Vigil.
