Loudon and Monroe County area communities Saturday honored the American flag by retiring unserviceable flags in a ceremony.

American Legion 256 and Boy Scout troops 354 and 770, officiated the event, which took place in front of Tellico Village Fire Hall.   Following a posting of the colors by Legionnaire Don Burgett and scouts, the ceremony commenced. 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are here to honor the flag of our country and to honorably dispose of flags, which through service have become unserviceable," Legion Cmdr. John Allen announced. 

In the ceremony, the flags were inspected by Vice Commanders Pat Brooks and Renato Cesaretti before Legionnaire Sergeant-At-Arms Rich Gruber and Scouts presented them to the Legion commander, Scout Member Caleb Hendrix, Fire Chief Henry Cullen and Legion Chaplain Vick Vickery. 

The flags to be destroyed were then presented to Firefighters Elton Pierson, Bruce Hamilton, Edward Valente and Mike Rafferty, who then disposed of the flags. 

Boy Scouts are headed by  Leader Joshua Hendrix and Assistant Leaders Cleo Hendrix and Scott Gammons of Troop 770 and Roy Munsey, assistant leader of Troop 354. 

Scout Master for Troop 770 is Joel Patten.