Old Glory was the focus when the Lebanon Valley Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association held its pre-July 4th meeting on June 26 at the Hebron Banquet Hall.
ABWA member Roysetta Bruner introduced the guest speaker, Army Col. Douglas Etter, who spoke on flag etiquette.
Col. Etter reviewed a number of common situations, from parades to ceremonies to funerals, where displaying the flag respectfully is essential, and also discussed how to properly retire a soiled or worn flag.
Etter, an ordained Presbyterian minister, is Chaplain for the Pennsylvania National Guard Joint Force Headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap. He has served in the guard for over 20 years and deployed twice as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from 2005 to 2006 and from 2008 to 2009. Etter is also the Chief Communications Officer for the Lebanon VA Medical Center.
Worn, damaged, or soiled flags should be disposed of properly, by burning or by giving them to a qualified organization. Boy Scout Troops, American Legions, and VFWs often provide this service. In Lebanon County, North Lebanon Township will properly retire American Flags.
The Lebanon chapter of the ABWA has been serving the area for over 48 years. Its next dinner and business meeting will be at the Hebron Banquet Hall on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. Visitors are welcome.