Upper Pottsgrove to Collect Flags for Disposal

According to the Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General Services Administration, an American flag should be disposed of if it is torn, tattered or dirty. The center advises citizens to seek help from a local American Legion or municipality for assistance.

Those with American Flags of any size that need to be disposed of are in luck. While not all area municipalities have the resources to care for the worn flags, Upper Pottsgrove does.

The township will host a collection for the coming week. Flags will be collected at the Upper Pottsgrove Township administration building, 1409 Farmington Ave., until May 24 during normal business hours. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Once collected, the flags will be "properly retired" at an official ceremony. According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) website, the proper disposal would be a flag burning. According to the VFW, that ceremony will include:

FLAG DISPOSAL:

1. The flag should be folded in its customary manner. 
2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.
3. Place the flag on the fire.
4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.
6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

The Upper Pottsgrove area ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on June 2, rain or shine, according to the township. The event will take place at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Pottstown’s Memorial Park.

The public is invited to attend and/or participate in the ceremony. The event will be conducted by the military veterans, Boy Scouts of America and the BPO of Elks.