POCATELLO, Idaho — A longstanding Memorial Day tradition returned to Pocatello this weekend as POW/MIA hosted the 23rd Annual Thunder Run, bringing the community together to honor those who served and sacrificed for the nation.
As part of this year’s observance, organizers incorporated a flag retirement ceremony into the event — a formal process by which worn or damaged American flags are disposed of in a dignified and respectful manner rather than simply discarded.
Honoring the Flag, Honoring the Fallen
The ceremony reflects a principle deeply rooted in American tradition: that a flag too worn to be flown deserves more than a place in a trash bin. When an American flag reaches the end of its useful life — frayed edges, faded colors, or torn fabric — the proper course of action is a respectful retirement. The same standard applies to state flags and the flags of other nations.
The U.S. Flag Code addresses this directly, stating that a flag “when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Burning remains an accepted and honorable method of retirement, though it is worth noting the Flag Code was written more than a century ago, when flags were typically made from natural fibers like wool or cotton rather than the synthetic materials common today.
Other accepted retirement methods include burial, cutting the flag into pieces so it no longer resembles a flag, professional repair when feasible, and in some cases recycling. Several civic organizations — including veterans groups and scouting organizations — offer formal retirement ceremonies and can provide guidance to residents unsure how to proceed with a worn flag.
A Community Rooted in Service and Respect
The Thunder Run has grown into a meaningful annual fixture in Pocatello’s Memorial Day observances. Now in its 23rd year, the event organized by POW/MIA serves as both a community gathering and a solemn reminder of the men and women who never returned home from military service. The inclusion of the flag retirement ceremony adds a ceremonial weight that connects participants directly to the symbols of the nation those veterans defended.
For Bannock County residents, events like the Thunder Run reflect a community that takes its commitment to military families and veterans seriously. Memorial Day in Southeast Idaho is marked not just by long weekends and summer gatherings, but by tangible acts of remembrance — ceremonies, rides, and rituals that keep the memory of sacrifice front and center.
Residents who have worn flags at home and are unsure what to do with them are encouraged to reach out to local veterans organizations, civic groups, or Scout troops, many of which hold regular retirement ceremonies throughout the year. Worn flags should never be thrown away in regular trash.
With summer now underway in Pocatello, the community calendar is filling up with warm-weather activities. The ICCU Splashpad at OK Ward Park recently opened for the season, giving families another reason to gather outdoors as the region marks the unofficial start of summer. Residents can also look forward to upcoming community events in the weeks ahead as Bannock County moves deeper into the summer season.
What Comes Next
POW/MIA and other local veterans organizations are expected to continue hosting events throughout the year in Pocatello and the broader Bannock County area. Residents interested in participating in future flag retirement ceremonies or learning more about proper flag care can contact local veterans service organizations for information on scheduled events and guidelines.