The flag disposal drop box is unveiled.
Boy Scout troops all over the nation perform American flag retirement ceremonies, taking flags that were donated to them by businesses and individuals and disposing of them in the proper fashion. According to the United States Flag Code, when a flag becomes too worn for display, it should be retired in a dignified way, typically by burning. Jacob Vaughn of Culloden, a member of Troop 236, decided to create a flag disposal box as part of his Eagle Scout Project. The community can use this special drop box to discard old, faded, and worn-out American flags, and the Boy Scouts will dispose of them properly.
The drop box was installed at the Putnam County Bank Loan Center in Hurricane on Saturday, November 23, during a dedication ceremony attended by Scouts from Troop 236 and their families. The box can be found in front of the flagpole at the Loan Center, a fitting place for its location.
Jacob wanted to do something that would make a lasting impact on the community, and felt that there was a need for something like this. Throughout his scouting career, he has participated in several flag retirement ceremonies, so he understands the importance of disposing flags according to the U.S. Flag Code. He spoke with the American Legion about his idea, and met with other community businesses and organizations, including the Putnam County Bank and Chapman Funeral Home.
The drop box was purchased from Uline, a shipping and business supply company. FastSigns of Cross Lanes created a custom wrap featuring an eagle and an American flag, a design that Jacob created. The Putnam County Bank prepared the concrete for the installation of the drop box. In all, the project took approximately four months from start to finish, with initial preparations beginning in July.
“The purpose of this box is twofold,” Jacob stated during the dedication ceremony. “First, it provides a convenient and dignified way for our community to dispose of worn flags. Second, it serves as a reminder of the respect we owe to our flag and what it presents. Once filled, the flags collected here will be properly retired through a ceremonial burning, in accordance with U. S. Flag Code. This is an important tradition that honors the spirit of our flag, ensuring that it is treated with the dignity it deserves.”
“The American flag is more than a piece of fabric; it is a powerful symbol of our nation’s history, ideals and the sacrifices made for our freedoms,” Jacob stated. “Throughout history, the flag has flown high over battlefields, homes, and landmarks, reminding us of our shared values and the principals upon which this great nation was founded.”
For Boy Scouts, the Eagle Project is an important milestone in their scouting career. Successful competition of the project is one of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting. The goal of these projects is to benefit the local community by providing valuable services, improving or adding new features, helping those who need it, and improving life for the residents who live there.
The flag disposal box at the Putnam County Bank Loan Center will make it easy for people to retire their flags with respect and dignity, filling a need which had previously been unmet. The box will be regularly checked by members of Troop 236 in a continuing commitment to Hurricane and surrounding areas.
