NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. - Local Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops commemorated Veterans Day with a flag retirement ceremony Saturday. 

Troop 155 Boy Scouts and Pack 150 Cub Scouts hosted the ceremony on the Northbridge Town Common. Residents and veterans were able to drop off well-used flags for proper retirement. It was a busy day for volunteers, who had roughly 1,000 flags to retire. The flags are properly folded, before being burned. The Boy Scouts said the flags mostly came from Northbridge, but there were some which came from the surrounding communities. 

The scoutmaster said a proper retirement is crucially important.

"So, we're doing this for the town and to honor veterans that live here in our town," said Boy Scout Lucas Freniere.

"We have to celebrate those who lost their lives in giving us this country," said scout Killian Farrer. "But, also celebrate those who didn't. Celebrate those who fought for us and who gave us the rights we have."

"Oh, it's very important," said Scoutmaster Robert Reed. "This symbolizes the old flags that have been tethered and worn that need to retire. This is a way that we can honor our veterans and do something great for them."

"It's a really educational ceremony," said Cubmaster Megan Burke. "The kids learned the proper way to take care of our flag, and what to do with it for a day like this. It's all about giving honor to our country too."

Flags retired Saturday were all different sizes. They came from local police departments, fire departments, VFWs, as well as residents in the towns.