Boy Scouts from Troop 566 of Our Lady of the Lakes conducted a formal flag retirement ceremony in front of Miami Lakes Town Hall on Jan. 19.
The flag burning was done with permission of the town and is the proper disposal process for American flags, a ritual that the scouts learn about and practice.
The scouts saluted each old or tattered flag before it was retired, Scoutmaster Sean Schwinghammer said.
The troop and the town have raised money for a drop box that will be installed in front of town hall. Residents will eventually be able to leave flags there for the scouts to retire.
The cost of that project, for the box, design, wrap and installation is about $2,000.
The community rallied behind it. As of Jan. 29, contributions to the project have totaled $2,237. Donors included Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Luis Collazo, Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano and Councilman Tony Fernandez, according to the Go Fund Me page.
Photos courtesy of Sean Schwinghammer.