Ensuring dignity, respect for flag retirement ceremonies
Seth Tabor, a 17-year-old Newcastle High school senior, has spent part of his summer constructing his Eagle Scout project for the Newcastle United Methodist Church. For years, the Scouts of Troop 231 have been meeting at the church and performing reverent American Flag retirement ceremonies.
“The BSA Handbook states: ‘A national flag that is worn beyond repair may be burned in a fire. The ceremony should be conducted with dignity and respect and the flag burned completely to ashes.’” Several organizations and the City of Newcastle brought their worn-out flags to the church, and they were stored in a classroom closet waiting for proper disposal. To clear the clutter, Seth decided he would build a special, more respectful holding box to deposit the flags in until a ceremony could be arranged.
He met with the church council to discuss his project and obtain approval for its placement at the church. They supported it 100%. Next, Seth had to present his plans and get approval from the Sooner District Eagle Board Council. Milcreek Lumber, in south Oklahoma City, donated the lumber.
SETH TABOR on page 2 The framed flag was donated by another Troop 231 Eagle Scout. This flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of that Scout, and he did not want his name used, but wanted to honor the veterans in the church.
SETHTABOR: Respect for flag, veterans is project aim
Seth will meet the Eagle Board Council on August 6 to present his finished project and answer questions from the board in hopes of attaining the highest award in Scouting. Seth is also the Den Leader for a local Cub Scout Pack and devotes a lot of time to mentoring.
Seth is the son of Mike and Tracy Tabor of Newcastle. Mike is the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 231, and Tracy is the troop’s Advancement Chair and committee member. Both are retired Air Force Reservists.
The church was honored to host the Scouts and Seth this past Sunday after church in a dedication ceremony to present his project to its congregants. Church members said they are thankful to have this reverent flag retirement box honoring the veterans.
“Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the United States flag is more than just a banner of red, white and blue,” the Boy Scout Handbook explains, “As the symbol of America, it stands for the past, present, and future of our country. It represents our people, our land, and our many ways of life.”
