Disabled Vets Hold Flag Retirement Ceremony

DEL HAVEN — Members of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44, joined by elected officials, Coast Guard recruits, scouts and firefighters, held a formal flag burning ceremony Sun., Oct. 10.
The solemn event was held at Cape May County Park South, across from the chapter headquarters. A tattered and faded flag was ceremoniously cut apart and, piece by piece, placed reverently into flames.
Veterans, in smartly pressed uniforms, lined up to assure proper respect was shown to the national colors that were being retired.
Present at the ceremony was U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, (R-2nd), Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st), Assemblyman Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (both D-1st), Freeholder Gerald Thornton, Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck, Ocean City Councilwoman Susan Sheppard and Lower Township Councilman Thomas Conrad.
Assisting were members of the DAV Chapter 44 Auxiliary, including Commander Christine Shaw and Carole Mathias.
Retired Force Master Chief Stan Crowley and DAV Chapter 44 Commander Joseph “Tim” Donnelly assisted in conveying the flag was the focal point of the retirement ceremony to the six elected officials. They held the flag as it was slowly dismembered and burned.
Chapter 44 Senior Vice Commander John Grone did the cutting of the flag, which he then took to Past Junior Vice Commander Bruds McDonald, who placed the pieces into the flames.
Coast Guard Chaplain Cmdr. Miles Barrett offered prayers at the start and end of the ceremony. He also read facts about the U.S. Flag and led in singing of America the Beautiful and God Bless America.
The U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ceremonial Detail was present, and a Coast Guard musician played “Taps” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Three fire engines attended from Town Bank, Erma and Villas. The Villas ladder was extended and an American flag and POW-MIA flag flown from the top of the ladder over the ceremony.
Joseph Harris, of the DAV Fourth District National Executive Committee, and past chapter commander, was master of ceremonies. He said the district encompasses New Jersey, Delaware and Connecticut.