A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard hold pieces of a U.S. flag during a flag retirement ceremony Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. In accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, the flag was ceremonially burned, and the pledge of allegiance was recited. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristan Campbell)

A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Billy Gann, 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team member, holds his section of the flag during a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Prior to the retirement ceremony, the large flag was cut into its individual components, including the 13 individual stripes and the union. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristan Campbell)

A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Airmen render a salute as a flag is ceremonially retired Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Airmen from the 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team maintained a vigil over the fire until all components of the U.S. flag were properly disposed of. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristan Campbell)

A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team prepare for a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The large flag was separated into its individual components, including the 13 red and white stripes, and the union comprised of 50 stars on a blue background, which was left whole because it represents the union of the fifty states. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristan Campbell)

Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Billy Gann, 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team member, carries a section of the U.S. flag during a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. After learning the history of the flag, which once hung in Hangar Four, the ceremony was conducted in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Octavius Thompson)

Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Giancarlo Hernandez, 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team member, salutes the U.S. flag during a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The honor guardsmen stood in formation until each flag section was properly disposed of and rendered a final salute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Octavius Thompson)

A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Giancarlo Hernandez, 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team member, salutes during a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. In keeping with U.S. military customs and traditions, a salute was rendered, and the pledge of allegiance was recited, to pay respect to the flag as it was retired. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Octavius Thompson)

A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Airman Staff Sgt. Billy Gann, 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guardsman, adds a section of the U.S. flag to the fire during a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The flag components are disposed of according to U.S. military customs and traditions, and are rendered with a final salute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Octavius Thompson)

A Legacy of Honor: Incirlik Retires Flag

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Latosha Ross, 39th Air Base Wing Honor Guard team member, participates in a ceremonial flag retirement Jan. 18, 2018, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Honor guard members perform proper customs and courtesies during the ceremony to include the recitation of the pledge of allegiance, and the rendering of a final salute. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Octavius Thompson)

Legacy of Honor: Incirlik retires flag

Published Jan. 30, 2018
By Airman 1st Class Octavious Thompson and Senior Airman Kristan Campbell
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --