There are some traditions that are inherent to America: our national anthem, respecting the men and women who dedicate their lives in service to our country, the right to vote, and perhaps most predominant – our American flag.
When we pledge allegiance to our American flag, feelings of respect, pride, and duty often resonate. However, do you ever wonder what happens to an American flag that is damaged or tattered and worn and is no longer being displayed?
Thanks to a new U.S. Flag Etiquette Program by the National Association of Counties, the National Flag Foundation, and the National Sheriffs Association, there are two locations in Montgomery County where citizens can properly dispose of any damaged or worn American flags.
One flag disposal box is located in the lobby of the Government Center on Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, and the other is located at the Riner Fire Department on Riner Road in Riner. If you have an American flag that needs to be properly disposed of, please consider placing your folded flag in one of the flag disposal boxes like the one pictured here.
Periodically, Montgomery County will coordinate with Boy Scout Troop 141 and Cub Scout Pack 141 of Christiansburg and the Boy Scout Troop 348 and Cub Scout Pack 348 of Riner to empty the flag disposal boxes and retire the flags properly and respectfully through a flag retirement ceremony that abides by the United States Flag Code.
Currently, Montgomery County is one of 294 counties throughout the United States participating in the U.S. Flag Etiquette Program.
To learn more about the U.S. Flag Etiquette Program visit www.naco.org/articles/disposal-boxes-flags-ready.
