The City of Bristol Tennessee, in conjunction with the Fort Chiswell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), have created a space to place a U.S. Flag Retirement Drop Box in the Bristol Tennessee Municipal Building’s Atrium. The dedication of the drop box has been scheduled for 10 am on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 801 Anderson Street.
According to United States Flag Code, Title 4, Section 8k, the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Flag retirement services are offered by local Boy Scout troops each winter and by a local veterans group each summer. During these services, flags are burned, which has long been considered a dignified way of paying respect in a most reverent method of final tribute. Between these private, non-public ceremonies the Daughters of the American Revolution saw a need to have location for the community to drop the flags for the next retirement ceremony. “One of the missions of the DAR is patriotism. Two of the objectives of the Flag Committee, which fall under patriotism, is to encourage the replacement of worn flags and to give instruction on the proper disposal of a worn flag,” said Donna Fitzgerald of the DAR Fort Chiswell Chapter. “This drop box will provide an easy opportunity for everyone to bring their worn flags so they may be retired with honor and dignity.”
The community, and especially local veterans, are invited to attend the dedication ceremony. Anyone with a tattered or worn flag is encouraged to bring it to the ceremony for disposal. “This is a great opportunity for the City and a highly regarded group of patriotic individuals to collaborate on a much needed project,” said Mayor Jack Young. “The drop box will be available to the public Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. The DAR will be collecting the flags on a regular basis and delivering those to other groups who will dispose of them in a dignified ceremony.”
For more information contact Terrie Talbert, Director of Community Relations at 423-989-5500 Ext. 2055 or email [email protected].
