November 9, 2025

The Chadds Ford Township Residents Association and the Brandywine Battlefield Park held a Veterans Day flag retirement ceremony at the park on Saturday. A dozen or so old U.S. flags, those that were faded, tattered, or torn, were burned as is custom.

About two dozen people attended and heard comments from park Site Administrator Troy Grubb and township Supervisor Kathleen Goodier. Goodier is also on the board of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates.

Grubb gave a brief history of the park and the Battle of Brandywine, calling it the largest and longest battle of the War for Independence.

“George Washington attempted to block the British from their ultimate goal of capturing the capital, Philadelphia,” he said. “While we know the British succeeded in their goal of capturing Philadelphia, we also know the final outcome of the war, and the sacrifices that were made to establish the foundation of our country…Later generations of Americans have continued to uphold the legacy of these patriots, keeping America free. Let’s not forget those who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of liberty.”

Goodier’s remarks were also brief.

“It’s a privilege to join you here at this historic park, a place where our nation’s fight for freedom began. Today’s ceremony is one of gratitude. We gather to retire these flags with the same respect and honor that they deserve, symbols of liberty, unity, and the countless sacrifices made to protect them. To our veterans here today, thank you for your service and for defending the ideals the flag represents. My sincere thanks as well to the Chadds Ford Township Residents Association for bringing our community together in such a meaningful way. May we always remember what this flag stands for, May we strive to live up to it every day.”

Following the remarks, members of VFW 926 of Aston folded a large flag before burning it, while Chadds Ford resident and retired Air Force Col. Jeff Alderfer read the significance and meaning of each of the 13 folds of the flag.

From the site Military.com, the folds represent:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is Him we turn to in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood. It has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that has molded the character of the men and women who have made this country great.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, who has also given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
11. The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
12. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
13. The 13th and last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”