LANSING, Ill. (September 21, 2020) – The flag at St. Ann School (3014 Ridge Road, Lansing) flies constantly, and after several years of Midwest weather, the need for replacement was becoming obvious. So the St. Ann Student Council reached out to Boy Scout Troop 276 to request their help in properly retiring the old flag and raising a new one. The ceremony took place Tuesday evening, October 20, around the flagpole between the school building and the priest’s residence.
The American flag at St. Ann flies constantly between the school building and the priest’s residence. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)After several years of Midwest weather, the need for retirement was clear. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)From left: Eighth-Grade Representative Ava Dabrowski, Executive Representative Miley Podgorski, and CEO Natalie Gray of the St. Ann Student Council arrived early for the ceremony. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The new flag had been boxed, so before the ceremony began, Troop Leader Seamus Polanski (center) led the Scouts in folding it properly. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Troop Leader Seamus Polanski used a step ladder to loosen the halyard from the cleat in preparation for the ceremony. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)At the base of the flagpole, Troop Leader Seamus Polanski met with the Scouts who would be participating in the ceremony. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The Boy Scout Color Guard got in formation to approach the flagpole. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Two Scouts lowered the old flag, while the rest of the troop respectfully saluted. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The retired flag was folded properly. The Scouts were planning to burn the flag as part of the ceremony, but as rain began moving in, the plans were changed. The flag will be placed in a collection bin along with other retired flags until a burning ceremony can be scheduled. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)The Boy Scout Color Guard then posted the new flag, and it caught the wind as it was raised into position. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)In the deepening dusk, Boy Scout Troop 276 and members of St. Ann’s parish made a few closing remarks under the newly posted stars and stripes. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
St. Ann School is located at 3014 Ridge Road in Lansing, Illinois.
Boy Scout Troop 276 typically meets at American Legion Post 697 (18255 Grant Street) on Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30pm.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
