Retiring the Colors
October 1, 2020
The sun broke through the clouds of an otherwise overcast day on October 1, just as members of Ohio Valley Marine Corps League Detachment No. 882 visited Mt. Assisi Place to retire the colors, a ceremony by which an aging or damaged American flag is honorably and ceremoniously taken down and — as happened here — replaced with a new one. Several residents — including Marine veteran John Markovich and Army veteran Emil Parent — gathered outside to watch the ceremony. A Marine bugler played Taps as the old flag, tattered and torn from years of whipping in the wind above our main entrance, was lowered and carefully folded. Our new flag can be seen from surrounding streets and nearby I-279. The retired flag will be properly disposed of by a local Boy Scout troop.
The old flag had become worn and damaged from many Pennsylvania seasons.
Resident and Army veteran Emil Parent (foreground in wheelchair) got a great view of the ceremony.
One of the Marines explains how the flag ceremony will be carried out.
The Marines salute the flag before lowering it.
A Marine bugler plays Taps to honor the old flag.
Residents and staff members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then watched as the flag was lowered.
As the old flag came down, it became more evident how badly worn it was.
The Marines keep the flag from touching the ground as it is lowered.
The damaged flag is carefully unclipped from the pole.
The retired Marines were all decked out in their dress uniforms, complete with face masks to keep everyone safe.
The Marines carefully fold the flag as best they can in its condition.
The Marines pass the flag to Kevin Kcehowski, building manager, as resident and former Marine John Markovich readies the new flag.
Resident and former Marine John Markovich hands off the new flag to one of the Marines, who also saluted him.
The new flag is clipped to the ropes so it can be hoisted up the pole.
The crisp colors of the new flag shown brilliantly as it made its way up toward the clouds.
Just a few more pulls, and she'll be in place.
The new flag in place, flying gloriously above Mt. Assisi Place and visible for miles.
Thanks to the Ohio Valley Marine Corps League Detachment 882 for their service and for properly retiring our flag.