On March 7, 2026, VFW Post #9660 along with local scouts held a Flag Retirement Program at the Chimney Rock Fire Pit Site. Wayne Saylor, Post Commander, and Aiden May, Life Scout from Boy Scout Troop 124, were the MCs for the program. The scouts from Troop 124 and Pack 1, retired 55 flags, participated in the color guard, helped with ceremonial flag retiring, and passed out Stars for our Troops to honor our Veterans. Post #9660 Veterans and Auxiliary members with the scouts replaced the Post flag and hoisted a new flag on site.
Aiden May organized and ran the program. From calling in the color guard, to having each Scout Unit and Post retire ceremonial flags and introduce the speaker. Wayne Saylor as advisor to Aiden, recognized our guests, scouts, Post Veterans and Auxiliary members, plus special guests Ros Poplar from the Fort Harrison Son of Am Revolution and Joanne Poplar from Narrow Passage Daughters of Am Revolution. Wayne also did a moment of silence for our Vets that we have lost plus honored those who have served and are currently serving. He read a poem while scouts passed out Stars to the guests, “I am part of our American Flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that YOU are not forgotten.” Speaker Cory May, member of the Post Auxiliary and Unit Commissioner to Mountain Valley District Scouts, spoke on “Honor and Respect” of our American Flag.
6 Cub Scouts plus 5 of their Pack leaders, 8 Boy Scouts plus 3 of their Troop leaders, and 1 Girl Scout with parent all put in together 50-1/2 service hours doing set-up, retirements, program participation and clean-up for this program. Job well done by all.
