Scouts plan flag retirement project

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Cub Scout Pack 255 Wolf Den has two community service projects underway for retiring unserviceable American flags and providing Thanksgiving baskets for Shackelford County residents.

The Den of second and third graders will conduct a flag retirement ceremony later in November at the Boy Scout hut in Albany. The public is encouraged to bring any flags that are old, torn, have holes, or are faded and need retiring to 432 South Third St. in Albany, where they will be collected until the ceremony.

Den leader Tiffany Waddell said burning a country’s flag can be seen as an act of hate, but when done the correct way, it is a symbol of respect.

“Most times you hear about burning a flag, it’s in a negative aspect,” Waddell said. “These Boy Scouts will do it the right way and make a positive thing out of it.”

Retiring the American flag with fire has been a tradition since the late 1930s. Waddell said the method was adopted by the American Legion, which established the Flag Code in 1937.

“These flags are usually worn or torn,” Waddell said. “This is a proper method that has been established by the American Legion.”

The ceremony will include presentation of the colors, national anthem, and a prayer, Waddell said.

“Boy Scouts brings a lot of life lessons in a small number of years before they go into real life,” she said.

Thanksgiving Baskets

“The Den’s first Thanksgiving Celebration and Food Giveaway is a drive to make everyone’s holiday as enjoyable and as festive as they possibly can, as well as show God’s love and concern for those in need,” Waddell said.

In addition, Waddell said the program is open to shut-ins who may experience loneliness and depression and lack of resources during this time of year.

“For us, it’s about making sure that people can have the most festive holiday season possible,” she said. “We do this to serve the community, those people who are hurting or in need.”

Applications for the Thanksgiving Baskets will be available to Shackelford County residents through Monday, Nov. 14, and can be picked up from Dora Leonard in Moran, Tiffany Waddell at 432 S. Third St. in Albany, or Nancy Smith Elementary School. Applications may be returned to any of those locations.

All applications will remain anonymous.

The Scouts will be taking donations for nonperishable items such as cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, and stuffing, as well as monetary donations to help cover the cost of turkeys and/or hams. The Scouts will be decorating boxes to set around town to collect items and are planning to set up as well to collect before Thanksgiving week, when the baskets will be delivered.

“The kids just enjoy helping the community,” Waddell said.

For more information, to apply or to make a donation, call or text Waddell at 325-260-7881 or email her at ansonwesternobserver@gmail.com.