DENISON, Texas (KTEN) — The American flag has represented freedom for millions of Americans since it was adopted as the nation's symbol on June 14, 1777. The American Legion Post 231 held a solemn flag retiring ceremony to not only honor Old Glory, but the veterans that fought for it.


Going as far back as 1916, former President Woodrow Wilson proposed the idea of having a day to honor the American flag.

Then in 1949, President Harry Truman signed a bill to establish June 14 as Flag Day.

"It's an amazing place here. The freedom of religion, the 2nd Amendment, all of the sacrifices made with this country – That's what the flag represents. It's a beautiful thing," said Kristin Milo, who is grateful to be living in America.

75 years later, the passion still remains for the symbol.

"I got a big one at the restaurant - The flag means a lot to me, the American flag. This is the country that opened its doors for me to come to the United States, and I have a lot of respect, and I am blessed to be here," said Gzim Krasniqi, who moved to America years ago and is grateful to be living in the country.

Every year on June 14th, American Legion Post 231 holds a ceremony to properly retire the fabric. This Flag Day, 23 flags were retired.

"It was a proclamation that President Wilson made originally, Congress acted, and they made what is known as the Flag Code," stated John Pankratz, a member of American Legion Post 231. "By burning the American flag, it is a way of honoring it."

Anyone with worn out flags can bring them to the legion to be properly retired next Flag Day.