Community Corner

Project Encourages Proper Disposal of American Flags

Residents are encouraged to bring their worn flags to the Murrieta Fire Department or City Hall, where collection boxes have been placed.

The following news release was submitted by the Luiseño Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution:

We all can perform the simple patriotic task of flying the American flag on designated days, but do we know how to properly and respectfully dispose of a flag when it is torn, faded, or stained?

The flag code (4 U.S.C. § 8(k), tells us that 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.  Because the American flag is the symbol of our country, it should always be displayed and maintained in a respectful and honorable manner.  Even its destruction – removal from service – should be conducted with dignity.

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Respect for the flag means:  it does not touch the ground, it is not used as clothing or decoration, there should never be placed upon it letters, markings, figures, or advertising, and a flag should be properly lighted if flown at night.

To provide the citizens of this area with a way to properly dispose of their worn flags, the Luiseño Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Murrieta Fire Department are offering a drop off service for residents to dispose of their torn/faded/stained flags. Flag collection boxes will be placed in the Murrieta City Hall and the Murrieta Fire Department Station 1 to collect any American flag that is ready for destruction. The Fire Department then will work with local Boy Scout troops to have the flags properly destroyed. The Scouts learn how to conduct flag destruction ceremonies as per the U. S. Code.

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The new flag collection boxes were placed at Murrieta City Hall (One Town Square, Murrieta) and at the Murrieta Fire Department Station 1 (41825 Juniper St., Murrieta) just prior to the Field of Honor event which is being held during Veterans Day week, Nov. 9-16, at Town Square Park.


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