This enormous flag was the last one retired at Green Bay’s ceremony. “We don’t know where it came from!” says Mickey Adams.

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and veterans from the American Legion burned hundreds of worn-out American flags in North Shore Bank’s 12th annual flag retirement ceremonies, which took place in Brookfield on Monday, Nov. 11, and Green Bay on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Flanked by veterans from American Legion Post #449, Carol Herrmann addresses attendees at the Brookfield ceremony.

Each year, our branches work the Exchange Club to collect tattered and damaged flags so they can be properly disposed of.

A Legion member brings a flag forward to be retired in Brookfield.

Bank representatives, Scouts, Legion members and citizens from the community attended the ceremonies. Milwaukee Capitol Branch Manager and AVP Carol Herrmann spoke at the Brookfield ceremony, and Allouez Branch Manager Mickey Adams spoke in Green Bay. Besides saying a few words to honor our country and our veterans, they each presented our partners in the collection efforts with a donation from the bank.

Legion members from Post #449 salute the flag as it goes up in flames.

Carol, whose own retirement is just a few weeks off, has played a huge role in our worn flag collection and the retirement ceremonies for years. She says, “I hope the North Shore Bank representative who takes my place next year at the ceremony finds it as inspiring and enjoyable as I always have.”

Veterans of American Legion Post #11 retire a flag in Green Bay.

You can see more images from the ceremonies on Flickr at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/northshorebank/sets/72157637842003735/