Marin Veterans Want Your Old Flags on Flag Day

The following is a news release from the County of Marin: 

In honor of Flag Day, members of the Marin County United Veterans Council will accept old American flags on June 14 in front of the military monuments at the Marin County Civic Center and make preparations for their proper disposal.

“We’d like to encourage residents to show their patriotism on the national holiday by flying the flag, and it’s a good time to dispose of tattered flags with respect and dignity,” said Ray Mullin, council president. “As much as our veterans love to see a flag flying, there comes a time when a flag is no longer fit for display.”

Volunteers from the Marin County United Veterans Council will be stationed in front of the memorials at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept flags. The location is just off Civic Center Drive in front of the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, just north of the Marin County Civic Center.

Mullin said flag owners should inspect their flags prior to Flag Day and determine whether it is still worthy for flying. Tattered, torn and faded flags collected that day will be burned later at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville or the Marin County Humane Society in Novato, Mullin said.

Traditional military etiquette dictates that an American flag made of cotton or wool should be folded in a customary manner before being burned in a large fire. Witnesses should come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a moment of silence. Ashes from flag burnings should be buried. Flags made of synthetic material should be recycled because burning them creates hazardous gases.

The Veterans Council, which receives sponsorship from the County of Marin government and the County’s Veterans Service Office, is comprised of representatives from various groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Military Officers Association of America, Elks Lodge 1108 in San Rafael and Blue Star Mothers of Marin. The council’s mission is to support all veterans’ causes and host events on public holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and POW/MIA Day.

The Veterans Council also will accept flags at its booth during the Marin County Fair, July 2-6 at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael.