Did you know that the ceremonial process of burning the flag has specific requirements?

The flag must be correctly folded, laid in a fire and burned while either being saluted, having the Pledge of Allegiance recited or the National Anthem sung. Since 2012, Northampton Marine Corps Detachment #298 has collected and properly disposed of 35,130 flags with the assistance of the Stockertown Plant. With the help of Gregg Knecht, the Plant Safety & Health Manager at that time, the plant offered its kilns for the ceremonial flag burning.

The plant conducted initial testing to determine how to support this patriotic duty while maintaining normal kiln operations. The decision was made to use the calciner of Kiln 3 on the pre-heater tower, with temperatures at 1,650°F (900°C), and representatives of the 298th Detachment present to observe and approve the recommended process. The procedure requires that plant personnel dress in thermal fire suits to conduct the burning and that the required ceremonial folding and salute is held with the last flag to be burned.

The plant personnel involved with the ceremony include two Process Attendants, one Supervisor and a Plant military veteran. Based on his love of country and pride in the plant’s support, Supervisor Mel Hall, a Marine and Pennsylvania National Guard veteran, is most often the military representative that oversees the proper folding and administers the military salute.

Prior to the plant's participation, disposal was difficult since it required the local volunteers to drive to military bases, most more than 2 hours away. Because of the backlog of flags needing proper disposal, initially dozens old flags were retired at the plant each quarter. In 2018 alone, the plant assisted with the retiring of 8,004 American flags. The majority of old flags come from cemeteries and businesses in Northampton County, and the 298th Detachment has five sites located throughout Northampton County where communities can drop off flags for proper disposal.

Founded in February 1946, Northampton County Detachment #298 is a chapter of the national service organization chartered by Congress in 1931. The purpose of this organization is to:

“Join together in preserving the traditions and promoting interests in the USMC. Through our continued community service we carry on the ideals of American freedom and democracy. Our members volunteer aid and render assistance to all Marines, former Marines and all other services.”

Northampton County Detachment #298, which has 185 members and participate in a variety of community-related military events including Memorial and Veterans Day activities, parades, K-12 education as well as attending funerals for local veterans. More information on this unit can be found at: https://norcomcl.org

In recognition of the plants dedication and continuing support, five members of the Northampton County Detachment presented a plaque to Bruce Keim, Plant Manager, and Mel Hall, Supervisor and Marine.