Owatonna Knights Of Columbus Collecting Worn Flags in Honor Of Flag Day
Cheers to the Red, White, and Blue, and Happy Flag Day!
This Flag Day, the Owatonna Knights of Columbus are hosting a flag retirement event.
According to the U.S. Flag Code, “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.”
The burning, however, has to happen in a very ceremonial way. The flag has to be folded preciously and can never touch the ground.
In summary, it's easiest to bring it to an organization, like the Knights of Columbus, who dispose of them in a respectful, proper manner.
If you have a worn or tattered flag, you can drop it off at 121 W. Main St. in Owatonna. The location is just west of the Fire Hall.
The Knights will be accepting flags from 4 pm- 8 pm. If you need to retire a flag, but cannot drop it off, call Dean Schuette at 507-475-8278 or email him at dtschuette@gmail.com.
Upon drop-off, the Knights will be handing out flyers explaining proper flag etiquette. They will also have replacement flags for sale.
Origins of Flag Day:
Embarrassingly, I did not know why or how Flag Day came to be. (Maybe I should have paid more attention in school...)
According to History.com, on June 14th, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of the resolution by creating Flag Day, which annually occurs on June 14th.
How to Handle the Flag of the United States of America
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