Lugoff – On the 250th birthday of the US Army and Flag Day, the Larry Jeffers American Legion Post 195 performed a dignified retirement of 963 flags that included a handful of South Carolina state flags, military branch flags, bunting, and more than 900 national flags.

The flags ranged in size from small 3-by-5-inch display flags to one of nine feet by fifteen feet. There were hundreds of similar flag retirement ceremonies across the state and nation that Saturday. The ceremony is normally held annually on Flag Day, regardless of the day of the week.

Flag Day is a holiday celebrated June 14, and commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, exactly two years after the US Army was established. The resolution of the Second Continental Congress stated “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Flag Day was first proposed in 1861 to rally support for the Union side of the Civil War. The day was officially proclaimed in 1916 as such by President Woodrow Wilson designating June 14 as Flag Day. National Flag Day was officially established by an Act of Congress on August 3, 1949.

This year’s ceremony was held at Post 195 and was led by commander Ruppert Baird. He was assisted by First Vice Commander Kate Brock, Second Vice Commander Kris Mela, Chief Financial Officer Chris Montjoy who stood in for the Sergeant-at-Arms who was unable to attend, and Chief Charity Officer Cliff Turner standing in for the post’s chaplain.

Also in attendance were a number of guests, including two young ladies just returned from Palmetto Girls State who were sponsored by the post’s Auxiliary Unit 195. They attended with their mothers. Afterward, members and guests were invited indoors for soft drinks and cookies.

Larry Jeffers American Legion Post 195’s next membership meeting will be at 6:30 pm, June 26 at the post’s meeting hall at 534 Wildwood Lane in Lugoff.

The Auxiliary will host its monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser June 27 from 5 – 7 pm. All are welcome to a complete meal with salad, bread, dessert, and drinks that can be eaten at the post’s Heil Hall or taken out, for $10 per meal.

Additional information can be found at the post’s website at alpost195.com.