American Legion and Virginia War Memorial Team Up Again To Collect Worn American Flags - Citizens Encouraged to Drop Off Old Flags for Proper Disposal Now thru December 3rd
The Virginia War Memorial is again teaming up with the American Legion to collect and properly dispose of old, worn and soiled American flags. This is the fourth year that the Memorial and Legion have offered this program to the public.
From Monday, November 7 through Saturday, December 3, 2016, any individual, organization, group or business with an American flag or flags in poor condition can bring them to the Virginia War Memorial at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond. The flags will be collected and properly retired as part of a formal ceremony conducted by members of American Legion Post 84 in Henrico County.
“We began offering this public service program in November 2013 and have been extremely pleased with the public response,” said Jim Triesler, Virginia War Memorial Education Director. “In the past three years, over 2,500 old and worn American flags have been collected. Many of those who brought flags told us they were grateful to have the opportunity to have their old flags disposed of in a proper and dignified manner.”
Collection bins will be located in the Edward A. McMurtrie Grand Lobby of the Memorial’s Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center, including Friday, November 11 when the Memorial and American Legion co-host the 60th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony. The Galanti Center is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sunday from noon – 4
p.m.
According to Dr. Dean Decker, American Legion Post 84 commander, the Flag Code of the U.S. states, “The Flag, when it is such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Since 1937, the American Legion has promoted the use of a public flag disposal ceremony as a fitting tribute and overt expression of patriotism and a way to enhance the public’s understanding of honor and respect due our American flag.”
For more information on the Virginia War Memorial’s worn American flag collection program or the 60th Annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony, please call 804.786.2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org or facebook.com/virginiawarmemorial.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial’s mission is Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Instill Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military forces.
About the Virginia War Memorial Foundation
Founded in 2000, The Virginia War Memorial Foundation (VWMF) is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation dedicated to the financial support of all of the educational outreach, patriotic programs, historical exhibits and documentary films of the Virginia War Memorial. Donations to the Foundation from individuals, corporations, military and veterans groups and other organizations may be tax-deductible and are encouraged and appreciated. For more information or to donate online, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org.
About the American Legion
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome program in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to service members and veterans. For more information, go to www.legion.org .