With June falling somewhere in between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July holidays, many local residents are proudly displaying their American flags. While these flags are meant to be displayed with pride and reverence, the condition of the flag can often affect how that message is received.
When American flags become worn, faded or torn, there is only one proper way to dispose of them — and that is to burn them.
The Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organization is conducting a flag burning ceremony
at Panther Creek Park in honor of Flag Day, June 14 at 5 p.m.
“It will be a moment of reverence,” said Cathy Mullins, president of the local chapter of Gold Star Mothers, during a recent radio interview. “Hundreds of flags being burned in the proper way — with respect and honor and dignity.”
Retired United States Marine Corps Master Sgt. Lou Drawdy said the Veterans Organization has had flag disposals at several locations over the years and moved to Panther Creek three or four years ago.
“If you have colors [flags] that need to be properly disposed of — while we wouldn’t mind people staying and watching — we would really appreciate people coming out to help,” Drawdy said.
With over 1,000 flags expected at the modified American Legion style ceremony, Drawdy said it can be a meaningful, yet time-consuming endeavor.
Drawdy said the Veterans Organization has done flag disposal demonstrations for several other organizations over the years, including the Boy Scouts, and that Apollo High School now has its own program.
“It seems like more and more people are getting involved with the proper way of doing things like this,” Drawdy said.
