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Girl Scout presents guidelines supporting House Bill 468 for dignified retirement of New Mexico state flag
Summary
Girl Scout Adrianna Bedego explained a Girl Scout bronze project and recommended ceremonial guidelines for retiring New Mexico’s state flag, citing House Bill 468 and safety and environmental considerations for burning ceremonies.
Adrianna Bedego, a member of Girl Scout Troop 18044, asked the Roswell City Council on Wednesday to support a standardized process for retiring worn New Mexico state flags and described a Girl Scout project that informed House Bill 468.
Adrianna said she has participated in American flag retirement ceremonies and noticed New Mexico’s state flag lacked formal guidance. “New Mexico state flag should be retired when it's no longer suitable for display, such as when it becomes torn, baited, or worn,” she told the council, reciting preferred ceremonial procedures and safety guidance she researched for her Girl Scout project.
Her proposed guidelines include retiring flags that are no longer suitable for display, performing a dignified destruction (the preferred method she listed was burning performed safely), allowing public or private ceremonies under the direction of uniformed military personnel or patriotic societies, and following local fire‑safety and environmental rules for any burning. She also urged community participation and noted organizers should be mindful of materials and statewide regulations when disposing of flags.
Why it matters: Adrianna framed the proposal as a way to show respect for the state symbol and recommended clear community procedures. She said she supported House Bill 468, which she described as a legislative effort matching the ceremonial guidance she researched.
What happened next: Council members thanked Adrianna and asked to sign a poster from her project; no formal council action or ordinance was taken during the meeting.
Ending: Adrianna concluded by inviting councilors to participate in or support retirement ceremonies and to help publicize guidelines that would preserve the flag’s dignity.
