Flag event held by veterans group

NEWELL - The Tri-State Veterans Burial Group held an everlasting flag-burning ceremony at American Legion Post 114 of Newell on Sunday.

The group is comprised of members from various American Legions and Veterans of Foreign Wars in the area, including Post 114, East Liverpool American Legion Post 374, Glenmoor American Legion Post 736, Chester American Legion Post 121, and East Liverpool VFW Post 66.

The ceremony began indoors, during which the names of the 16 veterans from the area who have died in the past year were called out.

After a prayer and the playing of "Taps," the ceremony moved outside, where the flags were inspected and found to be no longer serviceable. The flags were then placed in a barrel and burned as "Taps" played a second time, followed by a 21-gun salute.

Group member Jim Jenkins stated that this is the first time the ceremony has taken place in Newell.

"We're starting to rotate it around so every place will have a chance to do it," Jenkins said.

Approximately 10 people attended the ceremony to remember those lost and witness the flag burning.

Jenkins stated that the time of year when the ceremony is held depends on when the members are able to meet.

(Matsick can be contacted at jmatsick@reviewonline.com)