HONORING SERVICE

The St. Charles County Veterans Best Practices Working Group fosters an

employment-friendly environment for veterans who continue to serve the community tional Flag Conference met in Washington. Its members created the Flag Code, which states that "the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing."

The American Legion passed a resolution about flag retirement ceremonies in 1937, and have been an important ritual ever since. The U.S. flag is considered such a sacred symbol that burning it in an undignified manner constitutes desecration. That's why the ceremonies are held in a specific manner. Every year on June 14, Americans celebrate Flag Day. Not surprisingly, it's considered the most appropriate day to hold flag disposal ceremonies, which are often held at night. During an American Legion ceremony, participants stand aligned in two parallel rows about 20 feet apart, facing each other. A small fire burns beyond the rows of members and the flags that are no longer serviceable are presented to Legion commanders, a color guard presents the colors and a chaplain offers prayers. As the crowd salutes, the flag detail dips the retired flags into kerosene and puts them on a rack over the fire. A bugler sounds "To the Colors."

“It's a very heart-warming ceremony,” Wiss said. Worn or damaged U.S. flags can be dropped off anytime at two collection box locations: the front of the St. Charles County Administration Building, 201 N. Second St. in St. Charles, or at the memorial garden in Veterans Tribute Park, 1031 Kisker Road in Weldon Spring. The Veterans Best Practices Working Group was established in 2014 by the authority of a county ordinance.

According to Wiss, the group exists to foster an employment-friendly environment for those who have served in the armed forces of the United States and they work to encourage businesses in the St. Charles County community to develop veteran-friendly employment practices, including St. Charles County Government, and to inform veterans seeking employment of opportunities and benefits. They may no longer be wearing a uniform but they're still focused on service and mission.

“We've all had military experience and know that it is an interesting entity to be a part of,” Wiss said. “The public's perception of military members has changed greatly over the last 10-20 years and it makes me proud to be a part of it. It's also fun to sit in a group where you have Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard. There's always a little rivalry but everybody has been through the same thing and we can relate to each other.”

Veterans Honored With Quilts Of Valor At Assumption Church

Around 100 quilters came together to honor veterans during the Quilts of Valor – Eastern Missouri event held at the Parish Center at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish on June 28.

U.S. Marines and father and son duo, Dan Trower of St. Peters and Danny Trower of O’Fallon were presented with handmade quilts; followed by U.S. Air Force Veteran, Berry “Steve” Burt of Saint Peers; and U.S. Army Veteran Jim Genteman of Wentzville.

Quilters from 10 surrounding counties, including St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Pike, St. Louis, Jefferson, Gasconade, Montgomery, Franklin and Callaway, worked on 10 full-sized quilts throughout the day. Each quilt was unique, and included a hand-quilted heart, to serve as a reminder that it was created with love.

Quilts of Valor of Eastern Missouri is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization funded by donations from the community and an annual quilt raffle. Founded in 2005, the organization has given away nearly 3,500 quilts to veterans over the years.

The Assumption Quilters meet every Thursday and are always looking for new members. For more information, call the parish at 636-240-3721. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish has been serving the O’Fallon community for over 150 years.