On Flag Day 2017, Boyce Aten American Legion Post 25 (569 Broadway St, El Centro, Calif.) teamed up with city officials to hold its first Flag Retirement Ceremony at the city's Veterans Memorial. This was the first public ceremony held in the Veterans Memorial since the memorial's Veterans Day inauguration ceremony in 2016. Past Post 25 Commander and incoming District 30 Commander Tracy (T-Dog) Rascoe organized the event with former El Centro Mayor and City Council Member Jason Jackson.
Rascoe was the MC and the ceremony was supported by the Post 25-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 4070 of Imperial, Calif., the Imperial County Sheriff's Office Explorers, Imperial County VFW Honor Guard, and more. In addition, local state representatives and the Post 25 commander proudly read "Old Glory." With hundreds of people in attendance, hundreds of flags were properly disposed of, with World War II through current war eras also in attendance and/or participating.
Members of the local media were on hand for live recordings, still shots and interviews from various participants. The participating groups and additional organizations are meeting at Post 25 on July 22 to discuss improvements and additional opportunities to make the event better and larger next year!
As District 30 Commander, Rascoe is hopeful to educate the community about The American Legion and our missions at every opportunity. Rascoe said, "Our flag represents America and as The American Legion, we still serve her proudly. Flag Day is an excellent opportunity to help our community learn and/or remember the importance of respecting our flag, our veterans...our country."

For pictures and more, come see us at https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLegionPost25ElCentroCa/
or the district at
https://www.facebook.com/American-Legion-District-30-994037923960227/?re...