Oceanside CA— The Oceanside Fire Department hosted United States Flag Retirement Ceremony for the Oceanside Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10577 and the Oceanside American Legion Post 146, retiring hundreds of flags according to U.S. Code.
“The flags we are retiring here today have served their purpose well,” said Oceanside Fire Department Battalion Chief, Felipe Rodriguez as he opened the ceremony. “Our flag represents a living country and in itself, is considered a living thing. It is an enduring symbol of justice, freedom and democracy. In accordance with U.S. Code, our country’s flag is retired by fully consuming it in fire until only ashes remain. The stars and stripes have represented this great nation since June 14, 1777. Since then, many military men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending what it represents.”
The new Oceanside Fire Chief, Richard Robinson said he was proud the department can play a small role in the service of retiring flags and that it is done in a safe manner. “It is my intention to create a permanent place of honor for this service on these grounds so that in the future, we will always have a place where we can honor and have a dignified and honorable end for a flags service.”
Hundreds of flags were collected by the OFD, Oceanside Veterans of Foreign Wars, Oceanside American Legion Post along with flags dropped off at the Veterans Association of North County, Veterans Resource Center for the retirement ceremony.

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