A Respectful Final Tribute: Retiring American Flags with Honor
According to the U.S. Flag Code, a worn-out American flag should be retired in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
American flags often carry memories.
They may have flown proudly outside a family home for years, marked holidays and special occasions, or simply served as a daily reminder of the country and the freedoms they represent. Eventually, however, every flag reaches a point when it becomes faded, worn, torn, or otherwise no longer suitable for display. When that happens, many people are unsure what to do with it.
A New Local Flag Retirement Program
Bolt Laserworks and Wagner Family Funerals in Cassopolis, Michigan, are partnering to provide our community with a simple and dignified way to retire worn American flags. Old U.S. flags may now be dropped off during normal business hours at either:
Bolt Laserworks, located next door to the Cassopolis Post Office
or
Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis, Michigan
There is no need to simply throw an old flag away or wonder how to dispose of it properly. We will make sure it is treated with the dignity it deserves.
A Final Journey with a Veteran
Flags collected through the program will be carefully handled and properly folded.
When the opportunity arises, a retired flag will accompany a United States military veteran on his or her final journey. The flag may accompany a veteran during cremation or be placed with a veteran at burial. It is a simple but meaningful connection: a flag that has completed its service accompanying a veteran who completed his or hers.
Retiring American Flags with Honor
The U.S. Flag Code states that when an American flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner. For many of us, however, proper flag retirement is about more than following a guideline.
The American flag represents generations of people who have served, sacrificed, worked, raised families, and helped build their communities. Treating it respectfully at the end of its useful life is one small way of recognizing what it represents. Pairing that retirement with the final farewell of a veteran makes the gesture especially meaningful.
Every Flag Has a Story
We may never know where every donated flag has flown. One may have hung from a front porch for twenty years. Another may have flown at a business, farm, cottage, school, or family gathering place. Some may have been displayed only on special occasions. Whatever their story, retiring American flags with honor at the end of service is a respectful conclusion.
Have an Old American Flag?
If you have a worn, faded, or damaged American flag that is ready to be retired, bring it to Bolt Laserworks or Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., in Cassopolis. We will take it from there. Your flag will be cared for, respectfully folded, and ultimately given a meaningful final purpose as it accompanies a veteran at cremation or burial.
Comments