A day for Americans to celebrate and show respect for the country’s flag, Flag Day is also a time of ceremony, one in which old, tattered American flags are burned and replaced by new ones.
Communities across the nation hold such ceremonies and Cape Coral is no different.
This year Metz Funeral Home, along with VFW Post 8643, will hold a flag retirement ceremony Sunday at the funeral home at 1306 Lafayette St.
Metz director Tim Hauck said he wanted to hold a Flag Day ceremony because it seems there is not a lot of attention paid to the holiday.
“This is the first time we’re doing this,” he said. “We thought to ourselves, ‘You don’t see much going on for Flag Day,’ and it’s a great way to do something special and unique and honor the day.”
Staying true to the spirit of the day, Metz and the VFW will replace damaged American flags with new ones for free.
Hauck added that people do not have to stay for the retirement ceremony — when the flags will be burned — at noon.
“If people don’t want to stay, they can drive in, drop off their old flags, get a new one and go on from there,” he said.
Along with the retirement ceremony, VFW Post 8643 will take part in the proceedings.
Children will have the opportunity to meet two classic figures from American history: Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam, who will hand out little flags to the youths.
Hauck said he would have to wait and see how the event turns out before planning anything next year. For now, he is eagerly awaiting Flag Day.
“With any first-time event, we’ll see what the response is in the community,” Hauck said. “But, hopefully, we’ll have some more new flags around the city.”
Located downtown, the Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency is helping to promote the event.
Public relations manager Helen Ramey said the CRA is proud to be a part of the special event.
“We’re thankful they’re remembering the day,” she said. “It’s a respectful way to remember the flag and honor all of those who have served it.”
For more information on the Flag Day ceremony, call 542-2134.