ROWLEY – Walt Pomerleau gave the following summary as he thanked Jessica Garron for spearheading an effort to place a U.S. Flag Retirement Collection Box at the Rowley Fire Headquarters at 473 Haverhill Street (Rte. 133):
“Good morning. On Behalf of the Town of Rowley Veterans Committee, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us today for this meaningful ceremony. Your presence here speaks volumes about the pride we share in our community and the deep respect we hold for the symbols that represent our nation.
Today’s dedication of the retirement flag box is more than just a gesture – it is a commitment to honoring the American flag with the dignity it deserves. This box will serve as a respectable resting place for flags that have flown proudly and fulfilled their duty. It ensures that when a flag reaches the end of its service, it is retired with reverence, not discarded without thought.
The flags collected will be retired in accordance with the U.S. flag Code which states that ‘The flag, when it is in such condition that is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.’ ”
The Veterans Committe had noted that “this past year, Jessica presented to the Rowley Board of Selectmen, a proposal for a community project – to install a U.S. Flag Retirement Box.
Working with the Veterans Committee, a new box was recently installed. This was a community project that involved the Veterans Committee, Board of Selectmen, Police Department, Fire Department, Town Hall, and the Highway Department.
A flag retirement box serves as a designated, respectful receptacle for worn or damaged American flags, ensuring they are retired in a dignified manner.”
At the ceremony, Jessica received a citation signed by all members of the Rowley Board of Selectmen, and a citation from the State Senate.
Jessica will attend the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University in the fall. ♦
