CHICORA — Smoke billowed from burn barrels as boys from across northern Butler County paid tribute Friday to the nation’s veterans as they carefully, respectfully dropped dozens of retired American flags into the flames.

“This is very important to our whole troop and our entire community,” said 12-year-old Jordan Wagner, a member of Boy Scout Troop 217 based in Chicora. “This is a tribute to all the veterans and their service to our country. It’s to show honor.”

The Bradys Bend Boy Scout was one of several who turned out Friday night at Chicora Municipal Park for the troop’s annual Flag Day American flag retirement ceremony. After an inspection by troop leaders, the collected American flags were retired by fire at the end of the park’s basketball court.

Troop members joined forces with a color guard from American Legion Post 642 in Chicora for the event. Together, the two groups provided a proper send-off for unserviceable flags given to them by members of the community.

“It’s something that has gone away,” said scoutmaster John Leitem of the ceremony. “People don’t understand the aspect of what the flag retirement is about. It’s a part of history that’s fading away.”

The ceremony aimed to teach the next generation how to properly dispose of flags. Scouts presented a few of the flags to their scoutmaster for review before burning them.

Several local residents came out for the ceremony.

“I’ve been doing this since I was a Cub Scout,” said 17-year-old Robbie Stroup of Karns City. “It’s always been something in my life. I used to do it with my grandfather.”

Flags were submitted by residents from throughout the community.