It was a Flag Day to remember for reasons I did not realize when venturing out to Mayer, Ariz., on June 14, 2025. It was a temperate and not-so-windy morning, and a huge American flag was raised in honor of many things: the Army’s 250th birthday, Flag Day, and a Missing Rider tribute to a fellow American who spearheaded this event in prior years.

A poignant flag retirement ceremony was held thanks to the hard work of Foothills Ranch owners Wes and Phyllis Holmes. Numerous groups contributed to the effort by volunteering and giving donations, including District 8 American Legion posts from Prescott, Cottonwood and Humboldt, the Ernest A. Love Post 6 Honor Guard, American Legion Riders, Boy Scout Troop 303 and local businesses.

The event was powerful with many prayers, tributes and traditions.

What I didn’t know while I was enjoying the Flag Day ceremony at Foothills Ranch that day was just how much work, time, sweat and effort went into it.

Seeing a beautiful horse named Cash being led out by Phyllis was a touching Missing Rider tribute to Mark Merdith, who passed away six months prior. Mark was a driving force in starting this flag retirement service with Wes in 2023.

The American Legion Post 6 Honor Guard played a pivotal role in the Flag Day traditions. Their flag folding ceremony, gun salutes and sounding of taps gave honor and respect to our nation’s flag as well those who sacrificed their lives for it.

The other striking and impressive element of Flag Day 2025 was the 33-foot-long incinerator with its five 9-foot chimney pipes. Amazingly, this converted railroad oil tanker was procured, transported over 375 miles and custom-built in two weeks!

The enclosed flag incinerator was made possible by donations from Post 6 and other posts in District 8. Local businesses in Arizona donated steel, stove pipes, welding supplies and teams of welders, and other craftsmen provided hours of labor to rapidly build it just in time for the flag retirement.

The Flag Day 2025 event was a passionate and patriotic experience with prayers, the raising of a large 50x30-ft. American flag, cannon blasts, Honor Guard services, singing of our national anthem, Missing Rider tribute, U.S. flag retirement ceremony and the emotional sounding of taps.

Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported and attended this meaningful holiday service.

The honor, respect and heartfelt tributes made it a Flag Day to remember!