SkillsUSA Students Remove Over 1,400 American Flags to Honor Veterans

This morning, students from the SkillsUSA chapter at Lawrence County CTC took their learning from their classrooms, theory rooms, and shops and headed into the community. On this brisk, sun-drenched, first-frost-covered morning, they, once again, teamed up with Hugh Coryea, President of the Agent Orange Veterans' Project, to remove over 1,400 American flags from veterans' graves at Oak Park Cemetery.

Before beginning, students learned the proper way to handle and respect the flag. This project wasn’t just about cleanup—it was about honoring the symbolism and sacrifice the flag represents. With careful dignity, flags are removed from the graves of Veterans to prevent these symbols of sacrifice from becoming worn or unsightly, and to ensure they are properly retired.

The removed flags will be honored through a formal Flag Retirement Ceremony led by Boy Scouts from New Castle Troop #712 (where Landon, a Life Scout, belongs) and Wilmington Troop #733 (where Emily, the daughter of one of the advisors, recently earned her Eagle Rank). The Scouts will conduct a solemn burning of the flags, accompanied by readings, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a respectful handling of the ashes—showing patriotism and reverence every step of the way.

This project gave SkillsUSA students at LCCTC a hands-on opportunity to serve their community while learning about respect, responsibility, and civic pride.

Our SkillsUSA members look forward to serving with the Veterans and Agent Orange Veterans Project at their annual Veterans’ Day Breakfast on November 8th at the Loyal Order of the Moose on 29 S. Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101. For an hour before the start of the parade, SkillsUSA will take over the serving spoons and tongs to dish out a delicious breakfast to our county Veterans. Then, around 10 a.m, they will head to the parade route, ready to distribute American flags to Veterans along the way. The breakfast is free to all Veterans and their spouses, and for everyone else, a donation is requested. We hope to see you there!