Commendable Job

Post 25 of the American Legion in Lake Placid hosted the ceremony of retiring the American flag properly and ceremoniously, in front of the Legion Post on Tuesday evening, on the anniversary of not only the Sept. 11, but on Patriot's Day. This event was planned, organized and carried out by Tim Bunton, to complete his quest of becoming the second Eagle Scout of our local troop in a year.

Tim arranged for the color guard from VFW Post 4300 to participate with Taps and the 21 gun salute.
Legion Post 74 from Sebring, Post 69 from Avon Park, VFW Post 3880 of Lake Placid, Sons of the American Legion, 40 and 8, and Amvets were all represented.

Pastor Doug of the United Methodist Church opened the event with a prayer.

Post Comm. J.P. Plunkett welcomed the group with praise of the efforts put forth in putting it all together. Speakers included Mayor John Katsanis of Lake Placid, Sheriff Susan Benton, retired Navy Comm. Zane Thomas and Tim's father Chuck Bunton, one of the Scout leaders with a message sent from Denise Grimsley.

Tim -- with the able assistance of the other Scouts and leaders -- cleaned up the area, planted caladiums, repaired the broken sprinkler system, set up tents and chairs, set up the podium and speaker system, presented the flag retirement program properly in its entirety, and disposed of not only the flag on the pole at the Legion, but several other flags collected for that purpose.

All who attended commended and praised all that was done and pledged to support wholeheartedly any and all efforts of this nature in the future.

J.P. Plunkett

Lake Placid