Veterans and families gather in Fresno to retire American flag ahead of 250th anniversary
FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) - An American flag that flew as a symbol of freedom and service received a final salute in Fresno on Saturday.
Veterans, community leaders, and families gathered for a flag retirement ceremony honoring the flag, veterans, and America's upcoming 250th anniversary.
Jim Costa said, "The flag is the symbol of our nation, and we have the opportunity for important purposes to present flags. We remind them ourselves that America could not be the greatest nation in the world without their sacrifices and their commitment to duty, honor, and country. "
One flag's journey came to an end.
After years of flying the American flag proudly, it was officially retired in a ceremony.
Those paying their respects were Congressman Jim Costa.
He said, "The challenges and the difficult times we're living in today and around the world, we must remember, and it's appropriate during our 250th anniversary, that as Americans, common bonds that we share are far, far stronger than whatever differences we may have.
He continued " But today we had generations of families from our Valley that have served with great honor and distinction. And we recognize them, and we thank them for a grateful nation that never, never ever says thank you enough.
Mayor Jerry Dyer said, "The folks that were here today that did the flag burning ceremony, the flag retirement. They were the same individuals who presented my family, here recently with the American flag in honor of my dad, who served in the military."