Even the Cub Scouts stopped giggling as 30 members of the Utah National Guard solemnly lowered a giant flag over a blazing bonfire in the Spanish Fork rodeo arena Thursday.
The audience looked on quietly as flames licked the middle of the flag and Guard members carefully dropped it into the flames, tucking in the edges to ensure a respectful demise.
The fourth annual Flag Retirement and Patriotic Service proved that the patriotism that purchased millions of American flags last fall has lasted long enough to properly dispose of the same symbol.
The service, held at the Spanish Fork city fairgrounds, drew a crowd 2,000 to pay tribute to the flag and the nation it represents.
The program began in the air with a World War II biplane circling over the arena. Two parachutists clad in red, white and blue floated down to the arena, one with a flag streaming behind him.
A faint smell of gasoline wafted through the bleachers as Guard members ignited a pile of wood planks in preparation of the destruction of more than 300 retired flags.
Firefighter Lee Mecham attended the program for the second year in a row and noted a larger turnout and a different feeling this time around.
"It seemed to hit home a little more after 9/11," he said.
Mecham joined representatives from the fire department, police department, emergency services and each branch of the armed forces.
More than 50 members of the Utah National Guard participated in the event, which included a 21-gun salute.
Cub Scouts also joined in the ceremony, proudly sporting their navy blue shirts and yellow bandanas as they prepared for their part in the program.
"We're so proud of you guys," organizer Thad Jensen told the Cub Scouts after honoring other uniformed audience members. "You are our future."
As the fire crackled and the Cub Scouts wiggled impatiently, speakers praised the flag and the freedoms enjoyed by each American.
"The flag is a symbol of all that is good in our country," said a National Guard recruiting officer. "It is a symbol of hope. . . . When I see the flag of the United States, I think of thousands of people who have suffered so we can have the rights we have."
Members of the Utah National Guard lowered the 50-by-30-foot flag flying over the arena, pausing at half-mast for a moment of silence in remembrance of Sept. 11.
A small flag, hoisted by a fire truck ladder, continued to wave on the other end of the arena, a quiet reminder of that day.
After burning the large flag, Guard members stood at attention around the fire as Cub Scouts passed them the retired flags. On command, the men turned and dropped the flags into the flames, then repeated the process until the fire consumed the last one.
To close the program, American Legion member J.C. Henderson dedicated the new 103-foot Veteran's Memorial Flag Pole in the arena.
Audience members and participants alike appreciated the program.
"I felt it was an honor," said Cpl. Timothy Leslie, a member of the National Guard. "I'd love to do it again."
Angela Murdock, a Cub Scout leader for Pack 119, accompanied an excited bunch of Cub Scouts.
"I get real moved when I see the flag," she said. "I hope it left an impression in them when they're young so they develop a dignity, respect and reverence for the flag."
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