Dignified Flag Retirement
A flag retirement collection box at American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post 14 provides the community with a respectful way to retire worn or damaged U.S. flags.
On June 13, the American Legion Smith-Reynolds Post 14, its associated Auxiliary Unit 14, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 14, and local business Donut Nook hosted their first Flag Retirement Event.
Community members were invited to bring worn or tattered American flags to Post 14 for respectful retirement. Scouts from Troop 320, sponsored by Post 14, and Troop 532 accepted the flags for a dignified retirement ceremony. As a thank-you, everyone who brought in a flag received a complimentary donut and cup of coffee.
It can be disheartening to see American flags flying when they are dirty, torn, faded, or otherwise no longer suitable for display. The United States Flag Code, under "Respect for the Flag," states:
"The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."
The Scouts carried out that tradition during a respectful flag retirement ceremony at an off-site location.
The American Legion Family encourages anyone with a flag that is no longer fit for display to bring it to Post 14, where a collection box is available near the front entrance. Post 14 is located at 4607 NE Saint James Road in West Vancouver and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at 9 a.m., and Saturdays beginning at 3 p.m. Closing times vary. For more information, call 360-696-2579.
The American Legion Family and Donut Nook plan to make the Flag Retirement Event an annual tradition, encouraging the community to honor the American flag through proper and respectful retirement.