The 60-foot-wide American flag above the main entrance to the Duval County Courthouse was taken down and then retired in a formal ceremony Feb. 4 on the courthouse steps.
The retirement was witnessed by judges, court staff and clients of Duval County’s Veterans Treatment Court, a problem-solving court that gives troubled military veterans a path to rehabilitation instead of incarceration within the justice system.
“For veterans, respect for the flag is a symbol of what we all took a solemn oath to protect and defend,” said Duval County Judge Mose Floyd, a retired Marine Corps officer who began presiding over Veterans Treatment Court nearly nine years ago.
Retired Army Col. David Abramowitz, senior mentor volunteer at Veterans Treatment Court, said the ceremony was a way to respect the flag that has been across the front of the courthouse since shortly after the building opened in 2012.
“It has stood as a constant symbol of justice, service and freedom for all who enter these doors. Through sun, wind and storm, it represented the rule of law, the sacrifices of our veterans and the enduring values of our nation. As we retire this flag with honor and dignity, we do so not in farewell, but in deep appreciation for all it has represented,” Abramowitz said.
After the flag was taken down from the building by city maintenance workers, Veterans Treatment Court clients carefully folded it to prepare the flag to be placed in the custody of American Legion Post 197.
The initial plan was for the post to burn the flag at its annual Ceremony for the Disposal of Unserviceable Flags on June 14, Flag Day.
4th Circuit Chief Judge Lance Day instead wants the flag to be permanently displayed at the courthouse.
“We are retiring it, but it has historical significance. She served us through good times and bad. It was the first flag on the Duval County Courthouse. Why burn it? We can show our respect by preserving her forever. We can put it in the rotunda or the jury assembly room and people touring the courthouse can see it,” Day said.
A display cabinet could be a project for the veterans participating in Veterans Treatment Court.
“That would give them an opportunity to give something back to the community,” Day said.
A new 60-foot flag purchased by the city will be installed above the entrance to the courthouse in time for Presidents Day on Feb. 16.
“We may be a smaller market, as we are often told, but we have a big flag,” Day said.