San Rafael, CA - 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.
Ray Mullin, president of the council, said it’s a good time to dispose of tattered flags with respect and dignity and purchase a new one. “As much as our veterans love to see a flag flying, there comes a time when a flag is no longer fit for display,” he said.
The veterans council receives sponsorship from the County of Marin government and support from the County’s Veterans Service Office. Council volunteers 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.
Most of the tattered, torn and faded flags collected that day or at its booth during the Marin County Fair (July 1-5 at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael) will be burned later. Mullin said several locations that previously incinerated flags for the council no longer offer that service. Many collected flags are made of synthetic materials such as polyester and should not be burned. “We are looking for new options,” 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 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 and Veterans Day. Learn more about the council on its Facebook page.