The latest flag retirement ceremony by the American Legion Ira Weaver Post 121 on Saturday, Feb. 28, was unique thanks to a very special guest of honor: Richard Helsley, a 99-years-young U.S. Army veteran of World War II who was invited to head up the ceremony that day.
According to Post 121 Sr. Vice Cmdr. Kathy Merritt, a neighbor noticed that the flag above Helsley’s residence was faded and tattered. Expressing an interest in replacing it, the neighbor asked if the Legion could supply a new flag.
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Post Cmdr. Mike Merritt not only obliged but asked Helsley to join the post for Saturday’s flag retirement ceremony at the Maj. Leon Davenport Veterans Building, deciding to have him play an integral role.
“We’re so excited that you’re with us today,” Merritt said in welcoming Helsley, who received much applause for his attendance and service. Helsley’s flag was the first retired and served as an example of proper etiquette when handling a flag being laid to rest.
The flag was raised for a final time during the opening of the ceremony, waving over the audience for the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. Then, it was slowly lowered to be used as a teaching opportunity for what the colors and symbolism of Old Glory represent.
Post 121 Chaplain Gene Windham pointed out that the field of blue is for the sky and denotes the veneration of God, while the red stripes honor the blood, sweat and tears of those who have fought for America’s freedom. White stands for peace brought to future generations, and the stars represent spiritual heritage.
In accordance with tradition, the flag was folded 13 times to represent the 13 original colonies. Each fold symbolized an aspect of the American spirit and the values of the nation’s people, whether that be respect for the veterans who have given their lives in defense of the country, or for the way people at home are called to value their own lives and freedom.
And with that, the flag was handed back to Helsley, who was escorted by two young members of Scouting America Troop 101 of the Northeast Georgia Mountain District. The trio made their way forward, and Helsley released the flag to the cleansing flames previously blessed by Windham. Helsley and the Cub Scouts offered respectful salutes before returning to their seats.
Following their lead, every veteran in attendance was paired up with a scout, and together, each duo retired flags and bid farewell with salutes. Merritt provided the names of the veterans in line as well as their branch of service and the years they dedicated to their military careers.
Afterward, Helsley posed for photos with scouts and a few excited parents, being happy to shake hands with those who took a moment to thank him for his service.
Briefly, he recalled journeying across America and seeing newspaper reports of a bomb dropped in Japan. Shortly after his training, he became a teletype operator in Germany during reconstruction in 1946.
“It’s quite an honor to be here,” Helsley admitted with a gentle smile. Despite his legendary status, he does not feel like a hero, and he views his time with the Army as “something that I had to do, because there was great evil in the world, and we had to fight it. And we did.”
