Flag Day 2024. Shown, Jerry Thompson, center, feeds a flag into the flames. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

The harsh winter winds take a toll on many things, including American flags that fly outside residents’ homes year-round. By the time spring arrives, these flags are often tattered and torn, necessitating their removal. So, what should residents do with flags that need to be retired?

Jerry Thompson, finance officer for the Kewanee Veterans Council, said residents can drop off their worn flags at several locations in town. Both the American Legion Post 31, now located at 116 E. Third St., and the VFW Post 8078, located at 200 W. Fifth St., collect old flags all year long.

Thompson said he also believes that the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce would accept flags and make sure they are delivered to where they need to go. Just recently, the American Legion installed a box outside of their downtown location, making it even easier for people to drop off their flags.

The drop off box for flags can be found outside the American Legion on East Third Street. [Facebook photo]

In addition to the flags collected throughout the year, the KVC also collects tattered flags that need to be retired from local cemeteries.

Then on Flag Day, a June 14 holiday that commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, the KVC disposes of around 3,000 unserviceable American flags in the parking lot of the American Legion. Since the American Legion has moved locations from Railroad Avenue to East Third Street, the flag retirement ceremony will be held in a lot behind the Flemish American Club on Burr Street, Thompson said.

The Flemish American Club has graciously given permission to move the Legion’s burn barrels onto the lot, said Thompson, and those barrels could become permanent fixtures there for their annual Flag Day ceremony.

Burning that many flags takes time and KVC members spend about two and half to three hours disposing of them. Before the flag retirement begins, the KVC members will conduct a Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable Flags Ceremony, followed by a rifle salute.

Thompson said people with damaged, tattered or torn flags are welcome to drop them off at the local locations.

Need a new American flag to replace your worn one?

The American Legion offers 3’ by 5’ American-made flags for $25. Other sizes are available as well.