Saco Eagle Scout conducts flag disposal ceremony

SACO — Seventeen-year-old Will Barry has earned the highest honor in Boy Scouts and has helped facilitate proper disposal of hundreds of worn American flags.

The Saco teen recently made the rank of Eagle Scout – an achievement made by 8 percent of Boy Scouts in 2019, according to data from the Boy Scouts of America. In order to become an Eagle Scout, a series of requirements must be completed before the Scout’s 18^th birthday, including the planning and execution of a service project.

For his service project, Will created four collection boxes for retired flags, which were set up in locations throughout Saco and Old Orchard Beach. He also constructed a fire pit that was used at a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday. According to U.S. Flag Code, the preferable way to retire a flag that is no longer fit for display is by burning.

 

Will Barry, right, rolls up a stripe of a flag in Sunday's ceremony.

“The whole thought of retiring flags is very meaningful to me,” said Will. “I don’t like the idea of throwing flags out, it doesn’t feel right.”

The idea of respectfully retiring flags was so meaningful to Will that he decided to go above and beyond the scope of his project and organize a flag burning ceremony. He worked with the Elks Lodge and the Old Orchard Beach VFW Post 7997 to coordinate the ceremony, which was held Sunday at the Elks Lodge.

 

A flag is saluted one last time before it is retired.

A lot is involved in fulfilling the requirements of an Eagle Scout, and Will said it was a good learning experience. His oversaw a successful bottle drive, which thankfully, given the current cost of firewood, raised nearly $1,000. He also had to lead others who helped with the project.

Boy Scouts, veterans and members of the community gathered on the lawn next to the Elks Lodge for the ceremony on Sunday, and many brought items for a collection for the Saco Food Pantry. More than 500 flags were disposed of, and scouts of all ages lined up to participate in the ceremony. The fire was not going to be extinguished after all the flags were burned, and would be supervised until it died out naturally.

The flags had all been inspected, deemed unworthy to be flown, and needed to be retired in a respectful manner, said Greg Mrowka of VFW Post 7997. Mrowka reminded those in attendance to honor the American flag, and to remember the veterans who have served our country.

“Remember when these flags burn today, they’re all attached to a veteran,” he said.

Lee said Will worked very hard on the project and put in “a lot of hours” and “a lot of sweat.”

“He did a fantastic job,” he said. “He was a good leader and a good thinker.”

 

State Sen. Donna Bailey, left, and State Rep. Maggie O'Neil, right, pose with Will Barry after Sunday's cermony.

Will received thanks and congratulatory remarks from State Rep Maggie O’Neil and State Senator Donna Bailey, who presented him with a flag that had flown over the State Capitol, as well as a certificate and a pin.

Bailey said she could think of nobody better than Will to show how to properly retire a flag. She described him as a young leader and role model who was loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous and kind.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.