The U.S. symbol of democracy — the American Flag — was celebrated Sunday afternoon in Bouligny Plaza in New Iberia.

The Flag Day event was sponsored by the Iberia Veterans Commission and included a history lesson, 21 gun volley, patriotic songs and demonstrations of proper flag care and disposal.

Ray Escuriex, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, served as master of ceremonies and reminded those in attendance of what the flag represents.

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“It is a symbol of freedom all over the world,” Escuriex said. “Please remember those that have lost their lives in defense of it and also those still overseas defending it.”

The Veterans Commission began holding the ceremony in 1991 during Desert Storm, said event organizer Paul Schwing.

Flag Day is the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day.

After Wilson’s proclamation, Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years. But it was not until 1949 that President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress designating the day each year as National Flag Day. 

During the ceremony Sunday, New Iberia resident Benny Schovajsa demonstrated how to properly dispose of old flags by burning them as Cub Scout Pack 360 looked on. The Scouts were in attendance Sunday to earn a badge.

“You’re witnessing the flames of democracy,” Escuriex said to the young scouts as the flags burned.

The ashes from the flags were handed over to VFW Post 1982 representatives, who took them to be buried at the post’s headquarters on Jefferson Terrace Boulevard in New Iberia.