WEST ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – It is disrespectful to dispose of a worn-out American flag by simply throwing it away.
According to the US Flag Code, any torn or worn-out American flag must be disposed of in a dignified manner. Many veterans organizations have receptacles for these flags.
The American Legion Post in West Ishpeming needed such a depository, and reached out to the Westwood High School’s welding class for assistance.
“We were approached by Luann from the American Legion to kind of design and build a receptacle for retired American flags, and they wanted it to resemble an old-fashioned postal box,” said Jessen.
Welding instructor John Jessen saw this as an opportunity for his students to give back to their community.
“We like to do philanthropy-type projects. Give back to the community whenever we can. In our CTE classes here, we’ve done a lot of that in the past,” said Jessen.
The project was handed off to studentTanner Anollaa, who is proud of his creation.
“Makes me feel really good helping out the veterans, and all the flags and stuff they can be burned properly. I just feel really good about that,” said Anolla.
The flag box project has special meaning to Westwood High School.
“We were able to give them a product that they needed. But it also had the connection with the retired flags and us being the Patriots, and so it kind of tied in really nice. And it was just a great project,” explained Jessen.
When the box is full, the flags deposited in the new receptacle will be gathered and disposed of in a proper ceremony by the American Legion.
If you are unsure what to do if your flag is ready to be retired, you can contact any American Legion or VFW post.