To the Editor:

On Sunday, Nov., 10, 2013, the people of Boykins celebrated one of the many blessings of living in a small town. We gathered at the town mini park for a “Veteran’s Day Salute and Flag-Burning Ceremony.” The event was hosted by the Boykins Girl Scout Troop, under the leadership of Ms. Kisha Watford.

The welcome was given by Indiya Reid and the “purpose” was given by Julia Hand. The poem, “I’m More Than Just Cloth,” was read by Emma Potter. Erykah Harris led in the retirement of the flag and Amani Gary read the Veteran’s Day poem. The national anthem was beautifully sung by Brionna Reid followed by remarks by attending veterans and Mayor Spier Edwards Jr. “Adopt A Veteran” forms were given to each veteran to be turned in to the Town Office. The Boykins Girl Scouts will adopt and remember our veterans for the year. Ms. Linda Beatty, Boykins Town Council, passed out red, white and blue lapel ribbons.

The flag-burning ceremony was most impressive. The old town flag was lowered and removed from the flag pole. The scouts led us in the proper way to dismantle and discard the flag. With precision and respect, they cut the blue field of stars and tore each stripe. Following the Congressionally approved code for the destruction of the US flag, they burned each part.

They presented the town with a new flag, raised it to the top of the flag pole and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

We live in a day when traditional social/cultural standards are in sharp decline. Patriotism is publicly maligned, and patriotic citizens are labeled as “extremists,” even by our own government. Young people are too often, and unfairly cast as unprincipled, uncaring and indifferent to our nation’s history and symbols. Against such, the Boykins Girl Scouts stand in sharp contrast. We are proud of them and thankful for them. What they did was worthy of our praise. The reverence, respect and dignity with which they did it bring our hearts pride and hope.

Thank you, Ms. Watford for your positive influence on and leadership of these girls. Thank you Girl Scouts for calling us to do the right thing the right way. You are truly among “Boykins’ Best.”

Raymond Bunn
Boykins