SAN ANTONIO -- A San Antonio company is passing down a long time tradition of burning flags on Flag Day.
The ceremony at Dixie Flag and Banner Company has been happening every year since the 1970’s. For the people working at Dixie, the small ceremony holds a special meaning.
“For me it means to honor the men and women who serve our country. It's a good experience for me,” said Moses Valenzuela.
It’s become a tradition of paying tribute and showing respect.
“Each flag is folded into three quarters fold like they do in the military and very slowly each flag is dipped into the flame. And we hold a moment of silence and a pause is taken,” said Vanessa Van De Putte of Dixie Flag.
The nearly 100 flags collected this year, all worn beyond repair, each have a story to tell.
“A lot of times it's flags that have been passed down for generations. It’s flags that belongs to a deceased father or grandfather. So it's nice for them to have a ceremonious way to remember those people attached to the flag,” said Van De Putte. “It's not just a piece of fabric. It shows identity. It shows symbolism.”
“There's nothing like it. It's the colors. The beautiful colors. The stars. It just makes you feel good,” said Roger Martinez.