When it comes to remembering the nation’s heroes and what the American flag stands for, organizations like the American Legion know how to show their respect.
The evidence was on full display Wednesday afternoon as American Legion Watauga Post 49 Commander Rick Walters and Elizabethton Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Carter placed a retired American flag drop off box in Historic Downtown Elizabethton – near the Veterans War Memorial and across from the wall with names of veterans that have served in conflicts from the area.
“This gives us the chance to honor the flag that much more,” Carter said as Walters placed a retired flag inside the box.
The idea of creating a device to properly handle retired flags is just one of the various projects underway by the local American Legion, Walters added. The former mailbox was painted by Carters Powdercoating, located on West G Street, while the lettering was done by the local UPS office.
Over the months, residents are encouraged to place their flags inside the bin. The flags gathered will be properly disposed of during a special ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post to commemorate the 140th Flag Day – Wednesday, June 17.
Walters added the post uses a barrel that was donated and the organization properly disposes of the flags with a ceremonial burn – as encouraged by the U.S. Code.
According to the U.S. Code, “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 American Legion offers a variety of outlets for the community to utilize. Among upcoming events include the annual oratorical contest, which will be held this year at the Johnson City post on January 21 with the opportunity for students to receive scholarship opportunities. The American Legion also sponsors Boys State. According to the event’s website, American Legion Boys State “is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students … it is a participatory program where each participant’s becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government.”
Walters added the local post will also be creating a shooting range for air rifles at the post’s location and is currently taking part in the Veterans Helping Veterans, a program that helps give rides to veterans to different locations, including the grocery store or doctor’s appointments.
For more information on upcoming projects by the Post, contact Walters at (423) 543-0059.