In North Logan, Utah, a quiet but powerful act of patriotism has been unfolding since January. Calvin Jensen, a retired National Guard colonel and longtime educator, has personally retired more than 1,000 American flags—each one handled with care, respect, and ceremony. His efforts at the Rocky Mountain Veterans Center (RMVC) not only honor the symbol of the nation but also serve to educate and inspire the community. This thoughtful approach to American flag retirement has turned a necessary task into a meaningful experience for many in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho.

When Jensen began volunteering at the RMVC earlier this year, he discovered a backlog of over a thousand flags awaiting retirement. Rather than seeing this as a burden, he saw an opportunity. “I was overwhelmed by the number of flags that needed to be taken care of,” Jensen said. “No one seemed to be interested in doing it.” He decided to take on the responsibility himself, developing a respectful and educational ceremony that adheres to the U.S. Flag Code.

Flag retirement ceremonies are not merely symbolic—they are acts of reverence. According to Jensen, a worn flag should be folded properly, saluted, and retired by incineration, often accompanied by the Pledge of Allegiance and a posting of the colors. These elements are central to the ceremonies he conducts, whether in his backyard or at community events. “The big reason I wanted to retire the flags is because I believe in this country,” he explained. “The American Flag represents our country and when it gets worn out it should be respectfully taken care of.”

Jensen’s commitment to patriotic service is rooted in a lifetime of dedication. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1968, he joined the National Guard during the Vietnam War era and remained in the Guard and Reserves for 37 years. He eventually rose to the rank of colonel and spent several years working in counterterrorism at the Pentagon. In addition to his military service, Jensen spent three decades teaching and coaching at Sky View High School, where he led the swimming and diving teams.

His background informs the structure and tone of the flag retirement ceremonies. Jensen often shares personal stories and historical context, such as post-World War II events in Milan, Italy, to illustrate the global significance of the American flag. During the pledge, he pauses to emphasize key values like justice, fairness, and honesty—principles he believes the flag represents. “We need to remember how blessed we are and why so many people want to come to America,” he said. “The flag represents freedom and the lives lost to give us that freedom.”

These ceremonies have become a community touchstone. Jensen has conducted them for school groups, church congregations, and even the Green Canyon High School drumline. Each event becomes a moment of reflection and education, especially for younger participants who may be encountering the deeper meaning of the flag for the first time. I found this detail striking: even in such a solemn task, there is room for teaching and connection.

The RMVC, located within the Dan Gyllenskog Veteran Resource Center, serves as a repository for worn flags from individuals, businesses, schools, and local governments. With more than 1,000 flags arriving annually, the need for respectful retirement is ongoing. Terry Messmer, Chief of Administrative Services at the RMVC, praised Jensen as a “consummate example of the citizen-soldier.” Messmer added that Jensen’s initiative has helped foster patriotism while addressing a practical need in the community.

Due to drought conditions and fire restrictions, Jensen has had to pause some ceremonies, but the mission continues. Currently, over 500 flags remain to be retired. Interestingly, not all flags are immediately destined for retirement. Some, especially those from organizations that rotate their flags regularly, are still in good condition and may be adopted by others. Community members interested in obtaining a flag are encouraged to visit the RMVC to see what’s available.

Flag retirement is a tradition often overlooked, yet it holds deep significance. Through his dedication, Jensen has shown that anyone can take part in this respectful act, provided they understand the process. His example reminds us that patriotism is not confined to grand gestures—it can be found in the quiet, consistent work of honoring the symbols that unite us.

As the number of retired flags continues to grow, so too does the impact of one veteran’s mission. Calvin Jensen’s efforts at the Rocky Mountain Veterans Center are a testament to the enduring values the American flag represents, and to the power of individual action in preserving those values for future generations.

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