Elisabeth Slay
Editorial Assistant
Northeast News

To commemorate Flag Day and honor those who have served America, the Missouri Korean Veterans Memorial Committee (MKVMC) held the 6th annual National Flag Day and Flag Retirement ceremony on Thursday, June 14 in Washington Square Park, in front of the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial.

The American Legion Band and Korean Choir of Greater Kansas City performed patriotic songs to honor current and retired servicemen and women. Four veterans performed the retirement ceremony, burning a worn flag with honor. This is considered the most respectful and proper way to dispose of an American flag at the end of its lifespan.

Captain Jamie A. Fraser –Loria of the U.S. Navy served as a guest of honor, giving a speech explaining what the flag means to her and young people in the community. For District 19 State Representative Ingrid Burnett, National Flag Day reminds her of her father, who served in the military.

“Flag Day was my father’s favorite holiday and it was the day that he passed away, so it was a way to honor my father,” Burnett said. “I have a brother who is a veteran and a cousin who served in the Korean War, so it was meaningful for me to be there.”

According to Burnett, the flag is a symbol of America’s diversity and togetherness.
“For me the flag embodies our unity and it’s a reminder that we are a country of many different people who have come together as a unit,” Burnett said.