Daniel Casagrande, a Boy Scout with Troop 172 out of Red Bank, invites locals to bring their American flags in need of retirement to a ceremony he’s hosting at the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts.A Boy Scout with Troop 172 in Red Bank is teaming up with the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts downtown to host a flag retirement ceremony on the museum’s grounds on Saturday, Oct. 8.
“I want to show people why it should be seen as such an important and powerful symbol,” said Daniel Casagrande, 17. “I want the ceremony to bring together the community of Chattanooga for something that everyone can relate to in some way.”
He is still gathering flags and doesn’t have an idea of how many he’ll end up with, but hopes people will bring their own flags in need of retirement. The process to properly retire the American flag is found in the Flag Code, which outlines the many rules on how to treat the flag.
“I don’t think that education [about the American flag] is lacking per se, but I do think it is often overlooked or ignored,” Casagrande said.
He’s had help from numerous people throughout the planning process, he said, citing his parents, fellow Scouts, Scout leaders and Autenreith.
The event is being held from 4-8 p.m. Stations will be placed around the museum’s parking area offering information on flag etiquette, the proper way to retire the flag and the history of the flag. Different American flags from history will also be on display.
The retirement ceremony is free to attend, but donations will be accepted.
“Daniel is an exceptional Boy Scout,” museum Director Amy Autenreith said in a press release. “I know he’s done a lot of research and preparation for this project, and we look forward to hearing and seeing what he has to offer the public.”
For more information, contact the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts at 267-7176.