On Tuesday, March 7, 2006, a United States Flag Retirement service was held at the Sandshore School in Mount Olive Township, sponsored by Mount Olive Boy Scout Troop #312, and the brave soldiers from the United States Army who served in Iraq.

Last summer, our Town council voted to demolish our old municipal building. At that time, it was discovered that there were over 25 American Flags stored in the old complex, which would have been forever lost.

Mayor De La Roche attended the ceremony and lauded the Boy Scouts and U.S. Army soldiers for supporting this project. The mayor made the following speech:

“These flags have flown proudly over Mount Olive Township over the last several years, representing the most recognized symbol of freedom in the world. As Americans, it is our patriotic duty to show honor and respect to all American Flags, despite their condition, and to retire them in a formal way which is acceptable under the 1989 Flag Protection Statutes.

The American Flag represents many things including pioneers who made their way across the Alleghenies and Appalachians into the Great Plains and over the Rocky Mountains until there stood forth a mighty nation, a monument to what free men can accomplish. It is a tribute to the American form of government, that, in its inception, gave first consideration to the individuality of man, his hunger for freedom, and his right to profess his faith in God and therefore worship freely. The flag has traveled to many distant places, sometimes during war time, and at other times making a journey to the moon for the first time in history. A rescued flag was raised during 911 and all America had tears in their eyes for the sight of our patriotic pride.

Representing many things to many people, our American Flag has been called “Old Glory”, the Star Spangled Banner, and the Red, White & Blue. Many young people have fought to defend her honor, and the freedoms our land. Today, when I look around at this community effort I am reminded of a quote by George W. Bush at his Inaugural Address in 2001. He said:” “America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens.”

The Mayor presented a Community Service Award to Troop 312 for their project, and added: “You have much to be proud of today by undertaking the preservation of our national treasure, Our American Flag. Thank you for allowing me to share this event with you. God bless you.”