Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
Auxiliary Member Jim Fagans is shown depositing an unusable flag in the box he constructed and donated to the VFW Post 43 in Martinsburg. The box was decorated and painted by his sister-in-law Amanda Feight. The box is placed at the side entrance of the Post along Nicodemus Street in Martinsburg.
The D. Merl Tipton VFW Post 43, Martinsburg, now has a box for persons to deposit unusable flags, which will be properly disposed of at a later date at a Flag Retirement Ceremony.
Auxiliary Member Jim Fagans constructed the box and donated it to the Post so that unusable flags could be easily deposited and in a manner fitting for the living symbol of the United States of America. Jim's sister-in-law Amanda Feight affixed the stars and painted the box. A sign is posted above the box indicating its purpose.
Jane Fagans, Patriotic instructor for the Auxiliary, includes the proper disposal of flags as part of the Flag History and Etiquette that she and her team present to area third-grade students.
"I stress the importance of properly displaying the flag, and when that flag becomes unusable, i.e. torn, faded, etc., it should be retired," Jane Fagans said.
According the Flag Code Title 36, Section 176 states: '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."
"I believe the kids are telling their parents. The flag box was filled to capacity when I checked it several days ago, only after being placed there several weeks ago", Jane Fagans said.
In January, Jane Fagans, along with her team of Patriotic Instructors, presented a Flag History and Etiquette Program to nearly 300 third-grade students in Williamsburg, Northern Bedford County, Claysburg-Kimmel and Martinsburg Elementary schools.
"Our mission is to teach the students the history and significance of the American Flag, what it stands for, and how to properly fly and respect the flag," Jane Fagans said, "and usually the questions most posed are about the proper disposition of an unusable flag."
Business and residents alike are encouraged to display the American Flag as a sign of patriotism; however, when that flag becomes tattered and/or faded it needs to be retired. You can give an unusable flag to a scout member, veteran, or drop off at a designated depository for old flags.
Anyone wishing to deposit an unusable flag for retirement, the box is located at the entrance to the VFW Post 43 along Nicodemus Street in Martinsburg.
Jim Fagans and Feight constructed and decorated two additional flag depository boxes for the Morrisons Cove Ray Camp Post 7689 and the Roaring Spring American Legion in Roaring Spring.
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