Natchez — At the April meeting, members of the Gov. George Harlan Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century hosted an impressive flag burning ceremony on the grounds of the Gloster Arboretum in Gloster.

The first of its kind, the chapter event was presided over by chapter president Barbara Haigh and assisted by Maj. Thomas Enright, Louisiana Amry Reserve and Evelyn Williams, chapter chaplain. Donald Groves, A Natchez Opera Festival singer from New York, sang the national anthem.

Approximately 25 American flags were carried to the bonfire and thus honorably retired by veterans from Natchez, Gloster, Liberty, Sicily Islan, La., and Baton Rouge.

Representative of American Legion units from Gloster, Liberty, Centreville and Natchez also attended.

Others attending were members from Magnolia Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century, Natchez Scottish Heritage, United Daughters of Confederacy from Vicksburg, Natchez Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. Natchez Historical Society, Natchez Opera Festival, Mississippi Society Southern Dames of America and Descendants of Jersey Settlers of Adams County.

The ceremony was closed by Donald Groves who sang “America.”

Refreshments were served by hostess Trish Odenwald, Ruby Dickerson and Evelyn Williams.