In The News

On Saturday, eight members of a local American Legion Riders chapter roared up on motorcycles for a flag retirement ceremony of a faded and tattered flag flying at the Sylvan Ranch Community Garden in Citrus Heights.

With several members of the garden present, the riders saluted as the old flag was gently taken down, respectfully folded and boxed up, and a new one was raised in its place. Those in attendance also recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Asked what would happen to the old flag, Pete DePalma, president of the Fair Oaks-based American Legion Riders Chapter 383, said old flags "need to be destroyed in a dignified way, and burned." Title 4 of the U.S. Code states that when the flag is "in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, [it] should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

The riders group will be working with the local boy scouts to properly burn the tattered flag on Flag Day, June 14, along with other flags they have replaced during the year.

DePalma said he helped organize the ceremony after seeing a post on social media from a resident who shared photos of the aging flag. The new flag was donated by Congressman Ami Bera's office and had reportedly been previously flown over the nation's capitol.

Sylvan Ranch Community Garden began in 2009 as a place for residents to grow and harvest food in Citrus Heights, with memberships and plots available for a small annual fee. The garden is located at the corner of Sylvan and Stock Ranch roads.