Inspect your flag, replace if needed, and retire it with respect
Many summer holidays use the American flag as a symbol of honor, pride, and patriotic decoration. While we honor our military personnel who died in the line of duty on Memorial Day, May 25, and we celebrate our country’s independence on July 4, right in between is Flag Day. Celebrated on June 14, Flag Day is a time to recognize the history and significance of the “Stars and Stripes” and to reflect on the respect it deserves.
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the official flag of the United States. “It is also a good time of year to make Prince William County residents aware of the flag collection and retirement program available at the County Landfill and Compost Facility,” said Deborah Campbell, Solid Waste Division Communications Analyst.
According to the U.S. Flag Code – Respect for Flag 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.”
On Flag Day and other flag waving holidays, residents and business owners are encouraged to inspect the flag they have on display outside their home or establishment. If the American Flag is faded, torn, tattered, or frayed, it should be replaced.
Residents can bring old, faded, or tattered American flags to the Prince William County Landfill or the Compost Facility during regular hours of operation. Collected flags are appropriately retired by local Scout groups in a traditional ceremony, or a private one at the Covanta waste-to-energy facility in Fairfax.
Visit www.pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling for Solid Waste facility locations and hours and other Solid Waste Division programs and services.