ABOVE: The Phelps family, under the guidance of matriarch Sue Phelps (far left) sponsors the fireworks display in Callaway each year. BELOW: Post 59 members Ed Lashley and Tom Wilson place a worn out flag in the fire while Wayne Belew waits his turn to retire a flag. BELOW LEFT: The Callaway Fire Department offered fire truck rides for the kids. PICTURED ON FRONT: Legion members, from left, Wayne Belew, Ivan Phelps, Ed Lashley, Dan Trumbull and Dave Chesley with the many flags to be retired. (All photos courtesy Jo Chesley)

*THE CALLAWAY COURIER THANKS JO CHESLEY FOR SUBMITTING THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE AND PHOTOS.

The annual American Legion Post 59 Flag Retirement Ceremony and Phelps Family sponsored community fireworks show was moved to July 5 at the Callaway ball fields due to the rain in the area on Friday.

Beginning at 8 p.m. flags that were torn, worn, faded or badly soiled and no longer suitable for display were consumed by fire and retired with dignity and respect during the ceremony. Burning is seen as a way to return the flag to the natural elements symbolizing the end of its service. It is a solemn occasion, not a form of protest or disrespect.

The ceremony included an unserviceable ceremonial flag being presented to the Second, First and Legion Post Commanders for inspection where it was declared the flag be retired and destroyed with respectful and honorable rites. Post 59 Commander Dale Estergard estimated that 50 American flags were retired with proper protocol according to American Legion guidelines. The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial flag retirement prayer by Legion Post 59 Chaplain Dirk Stryker.

Unserviceable flags can be given to any local Legion member during the year for retirement the following year.

The Phelps Family consisting of Sue Phelps, her son, Mark, and daughter, Julie, and their spouses and children have sponsored the community fireworks show since 2009 to honor the memory of their son and brother, Chris Phelps, who lost his life as a result of a 4-wheeler accident. The 4th of July was Chris's favorite holiday.

The family also hands out patriotic trinkets to the youngsters attending the festivities prior to the fireworks display beginning at dusk.

The spectacular display was accompanied by patriotic music and enjoyed by dozens of spectators. There is no charge for the annual celebration. Sue, who spearheads the event, noted that additional funds for the event come from the Village, the Callaway Chamber, the Callaway Volunteer Firemen, and the local American Legion along with generous donations. The fireworks show is always a fitting display of appreciation for America's birthday and the freedoms we enjoy.

In true small-town hospitality, a variety of free snacks were available to all attendees throughout the evening. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 59 provided bottled water and freshly popped popcorn, the Callaway Market donated ice cream sandwiches, and cotton candy was made fresh on-site courtesy of the Plant Stand.

The Callaway Volunteer Firemen provided rides on a fire truck to many eager youngsters and adults alike and were also positioned on site during the fireworks to provide aid if needed in case of accidental fires.