MT. ZION, Ill (WAND) - For 20 years, the American Legion has hosted a ceremony to respectfully handle U.S. flags that have become old and torn.

Hundreds of flags were donated to the troops for retirement. Once the flags are inspected, they are officially retired. 

The first flag is gently placed in one of three piles of fire. After a salute and the flag is respectfully disposed, the ceremony resumes as Cub Scouts sift through the boxes of flags. Tim Lee, the chaplain for Troop 43, described the ceremony as a valuable lesson to pass on to the younger generation. 

"Basically give them a foundation for the values that build their character," Lee said. "That's going to shape their lives." 

Flag Day falls between Memorial Day and Independence Day - something Lee said is sometimes overlooked. The holiday was officially established by former President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. 

"It was intended as a way to help the states kind of focus on what we are as a nation," Lee said. 

Historians said all presidents since 1949 have issued a flag day proclamation.