Call her the “Stars and Stripes” or “Old Glory”, the U.S. flag is a symbol of our Country and the freedoms we enjoy. As a representation of those ideals, the flag should not be flown or displayed if it is worn, torn, frayed or faded. Old flags that are no longer serviceable should be “retired”. According to the US Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” On Saturday, June 17, 2006, area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will perform a Flag Retirement Ceremony in conjunction with the Newcomb-Long American Legion Post 928 at the Legion which is located at 7353 Erie Road (Rt. 5) in Derby. The community is invited to bring their American flags that need to be retired and join in the solemn respectful retirement of the flags. The ceremony will begin at 10am and continue until all flags are properly and respectfully retired. A donation will be collected that will be given to Operation Good Neighbor. For more information, or for any scout wishing to participate, call Mark at 549-1272.

     On Monday, May 29, 2006, residents throughout the Towns of Evans and Brant and in the Villages of Angola and Farnham, took time from their family celebrations to join in “remembering” those who have given their lives so that our “way of life” and our “freedoms” would be preserved. Officials from the Town of Brant and the Village of Farnham met at the Brant Memorial Park at 9am for a solemn service that included music, prayer, the raising and lowering of the Flag, a gun salute and the playing of Taps. In a short speech given by Supervisor Leonard Pero, those gathered reflected on the sacrifices of the soldiers and their families and the need to “remember” and be thankful. The 1976 Brant Town Board members, Supervisor Herman Ciminesi, Councilmen/Town Justices Walter Gier and Peter Gugino, Councilwoman Beverly Wasmund and Town Clerk Rose Marie DeMaria were also gathered to showcase the plaque that was installed on the marker at the Memorial Park that they were instrumental in establishing. The Village of Angola hosted a parade with participation from the Town of Evans, the volunteer fire companies, the American Legion and the VFW. The parade terminated at Forest Avenue Cemetery where a solemn service was conducted. The Brant and Farnham officials also gathered in Farnham for a Memorial Day ceremony that included a selection of music performed by the 8th Grade Band from Lake Shore Middle School. Smaller services were also held at the Evans Town Hall, the VFW Post and the American Legion Post. On Saturday, May 27, 2006, a Memorial Service was held in the Town of Evan’s newest Memorial Park in Derby.