For the past 20 years, Jamestown Plastic Inc. has hosted an America flag retirement ceremony in Brocton. The John W. Dill American Legion Post 434 Honor Guard has performed the retirement ceremony for more than two decades.

“It is our honor to help ensure that the American flag is respectfully retired,” said Commander Mattie McIntyre, American Legion Post 434. “We have had the privilege to watch Jamestown Plastics grow. It is because of ceremonies like this, many people have learned flag protocol, but more importantly, who Memorial Day stands for.”

Stanley Kawski, the last member of the John W. Dill Post 434 Honor Guard, has been an Honor Guard member for 30 years and participates each year in the flag retirement ceremony.

Jamestown Plastics was purchased by James and Jacqueline Baker in 1976. It was not until 1984 when Jay Baker, son of James and Jacqueline Baker, became the company’s first full-time salesperson. Jay Baker took over from his father in 1999 as company president and passed the torch to his son, Jessup Baker, in 2021.

Commander Mattie McIntyre of American Legion Post 434 and Stanley Kawski, John W. Dill Post 434 adjutant, are pictured.

Jamestown Plastics began as a small family-owned business in Jamestown, New York and grew quickly. Eventually the company had to purchase a larger facility on Highland Avenue in Brocton. Today, Jamestown Plastics plants are found in Brownsville, Texas as well as in Meadville, Pa.

From left are Jessup Baker, president of Jamestown Plastics Inc., state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, Christine Ranaldi, representing U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, and James Feldman, representing County Executive PJ Wendel.