SPANISH FORK, Utah – Have you ever seen the sun shining through the stars and stripes of the National flag as it flies proudly on the top of its mast, silhouetted in a bright sky? There is almost nothing more inspiring than seeing the sunset on the Western Utah horizon, with a bright flag waving against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The sight fills one with wonder, and as you ponder the sight you may remember the country it represents is strong and honorable, and the principles of liberty and the right to choose to pursue happiness are the foundational building blocks of its society and culture. It is that very liberty that is represented by the stars and stripes of the United States of America.
Now, imagine a flag faded by the sun, hanging in streamers that are torn along the seams of white and red. The rectangular banner is shorter than it should be because it has been beaten by the wind and weather for far too long. That sight too can be inspiring, but perhaps it fills the observer with a sense of shame. It may have been in part that very emotion that drove congress to pass the U.S. flag code in 1923 which says, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
In 1998, the City of Spanish Fork joined with members of C Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery Regiment in a ceremony that took place in the parking lot of a local grocery store to retire a 30’ by 50’ U.S. flag that had flown proudly for many months. It was worn and faded, but it was large, and the owners were perhaps uncertain how to appropriately dispose of it. Through the effort of many, a somber ceremony was organized, and the flag was retired in a large fire with onlookers close by. That event began an annual tradition where hundreds of unserviceable flags are retired each year during the city’s Fiesta Days celebrations. This tradition joins members of the community and the National Guard for a dignified and respectful event that is now held in the city rodeo arena and attended by hundreds.
On July 14, 2025, the city again hosted the honored flag retirement ceremony. The ceremony was narrated by Utah National Guard land component commander, Brig. Gen. Keir Scoubes, who is also a former city Councilman of Spanish Fork, and committee member for the Fiesta Days events. His words roused the crowd, who pledged allegiance to the flag, witnessed the dignified retirement of hundreds of flags brought onto the field by scouts, citizens, and city and community leaders who passed the faded colors to members of the Utah National Guard to respectfully burn each flag. The crowd watched in near silence as flags were placed into the fire as a cannon crew rendered final salutations while waiting to fire celebratory volleys. If you have never been to an event like this, it is highly recommended. The event fills one with pride and patriotism and is truly an inspiring way to spend a warm July evening in Utah.
(Utah National Guard story and photos by Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber)
