North Shore Bank hosts retired flag ceremony

North Shore Bank  will retire hundreds of worn and tattered flags in an honor ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. The ceremony, held at the Stenz-Griesell-Smith American Legion Post 449 in Brookfield will be open to the public.
“We’re very proud to say this is the tenth year that North Shore Bank has held this event in conjunction with the Exchange Club of Milwaukee,” said Carol Herrmann, assistant vice president-branch manager for North Shore Bank and an Exchange Club member.  “A traditional flag retirement ceremony is a moving event that everyone should experience – it’s one way that we can show respect for our flag and remember all the men and women that have fought to protect it.”
The flags were collected during the bank’s flag collection program. Boys Scouts from Troop No. 449 and Cub Scouts from Pack 71 at St. John Vianney will prepare the flags and present them for retirement.  Veterans with Post #449 will then conduct the solemn flag-burning ceremony, in accordance with American Legion tradition.
“The Exchange Clubs’ goal is to help educate the general public about the proper way to dispose of a torn or soiled American flag,” said Jim Ebben, president of the Exchange Club. “Our worn flag drive with North Shore Bank was very successful again this year. We are proud to know that there are so many people in our community that want to retire their flags properly.”