U.S. Flag Retirement Collection Box Installed
By JOE POTTER
About 50 people endured sweltering weather for nearly 30 minutes on July 25 to celebrate the placement of a Flag Retirement Collection Box at the City Hall in Dade City. The Echebucsassa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, based in Zephyrhills, donated the box.
Ron Martin, owner of Southlake Signs Tampa, was thanked for having built the box that bore the red, white, and blue colors associated with the U.S. Flag.
“Each of us has our feelings on what our flag means to us: history, patriotism, honor, sacrifice, respect, and strength. It is all those things and much more,” said Marie Wunderlich, Regent of the local D.A.R. Chapter.
“The flag of the United States of America is one of the most recognized standards worldwide. It deserves the respect of the citizens it stands for. We pledge allegiance to it, we write songs and poetry about it, we salute it, and we retire it respectfully,” Wunderlich said.
U.S. Flags that are soiled, stained, or torn beyond repair should be surrendered by placing them in the Flag Retirement Collection Box, Wunderlich said. This should be done rather than disposing of them in a trash can, clothing donation boxes, or other sites, she explained.
“By placing your flag in this collection box, you are participating in the first step of flag retirement. “It is our hope that the community will make use of this collection receptacle and deposit your US Flag here.
“I personally wish to thank the City of Dade City for granting permission and city workers’ installation and working with Ann Swinford, our US Flag chair, on the placement of this receptacle for the citizens of our community. I would also like to thank Ann Swinford for her tireless work as chair on the design of the container, and coordination of delivery, as well as all Echebucsassa Chapter members for their donations and efforts in making this happen.
“It is our honor to serve our communities,” Wunderlich said. Mayor Scott Black read a proclamation, which said in part that the local Chapter of the D.A.R. “had generously donated the Flag Retirement Collection Box.”
City employees bolted it into place so it may be permanently located at the entrance to City Hall, which is at 38020 Meridian Ave. The proclamation also states in part that the local D.A.R. Chapter “will oversee and ensure the proper and respectful retirement of all American flags placed in the Collection Box in accordance with the United States Flag Code.” This initiative provides a dignified and accessible means for residents to retire their American flags and fosters a deeper sense of civic pride and national respect.
