Legislators, Scouts Collect Worn US Flags To Honor Flag Day In Newtown

NEWTOWN, CT- In celebration of Flag Day, State Reps. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) along with the Scouts of Troop 270 conducted a flag collection drive at the CH Booth Library June 10 for those that wished to turn in their worn and tattered flags to be retired at VFW Post 308 in Newtown.

The Scouts demonstrated for the lawmakers the proper procedure for folding an American flag.
Additionally, during the collection they received a donation of a flag that flew last summer on the flagpole at the intersection of Routes 6 and 25. Newtown Legislative Councilman Chris Gardner explained to the lawmakers that donations are made to the Flagpole Fund for repainting and maintenance, with the flags donated to the town. The Department of Transportation replaces signs on the pole when needed, and replaced the lights on the pole a few years back.

The Flagpole Fund is maintained by Newtown’s Finance Department for donations for upkeep and repairs.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress passing a resolution stating that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white," and that "the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation" by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

The U.S. Flag Code specifies that old American flags no longer in service must be properly disposed.