The blue stands for loyalty. The red stands for soldiers' blood, sacrifice and bravery. The white stands for courage and purity of heart and mind.
So says 16-year-old David Warner, senior patrol leader in Boy Scout troop 999, of the U.S. flag.Troop 999 members were in charge of the Flag Day Observance ceremony, which included a flag retirement ceremony Monday night. The program was part of many activities America's Freedom Festival at Provo has planned over the next month.
Warner discussed why flag retirement was necessary through the word of the nation's flag.
"Tonight, my colors reflect my years, for I am faded, tattered and worn," Warner said.
"Rather than reflect misunderstanding upon those characteristics, the colors for which I have flown, I must be retired in order that fresh colors may be raised."
As "Taps" was played by the Cougar Alumni Band, members of the audience stood with hand over heart, and two young boys lighted the 80-foot-120-foot flag that flew for many months over Ream's Supermarket parking lot on Freedom Boulevard.
"The flag, when it is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning," according to the U.S. flag code that was adopted in 1942 by Congress.
Before the retirement ceremony, Doug Padilla, a nationally recognized runner from Orem, spoke about the flag's significance.
"Our flag is a grand representation of the ideals on which this country was founded," Padilla said. "Our liberty and freedom were bought at a very high price."
Warner said the flag is a symbol of God. When the flag is burned it is returned to the Earth, and fire symbolically denotes God. Burning the flags is the only respectful way of disposing of a worn flag, he said.
"We do it every year so people can do it properly. It helps reaffirm patriotism - you understand that it is more than just a flag," he said.
Following the initial light, about 50 American flags were solemnly carried by young boys dressed in full Scout uniform. As each flag was gingerly laid to rest on the fire, the two boys saluted it.
Through the Scouting program, Troop 999 Scoutmaster Andy Bags said the boys learn how to serve in a time when the country is becoming more me-oriented.