U.S. Flags To Get Proper Disposal At Simsbury Event

SIMSBURY, CT — Local veterans groups are inviting families and residents to join them Saturday as they properly dispose of American flags.

The Simsbury VFW and American Legion chapters are hosting a U.S. flag retirement ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m.

It will take place at a special platform created for such events behind the Weatogue Fire Station at 251 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury.

According to Lee Wilson, the event's master of ceremonies and publicist, both chapters worked together to build the flag retirement platform.

Wilson said the site is used by service organizations from throughout the Farmington Valley region.

"Funding was provided by the two Posts along with grants and donations from UNICO National – Avon, CT Chapter, Abigail Phelps Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Aquarion Water Co.," Wilson wrote, adding the Home Depot Foundation donated a shed for storing flags and equipment.

Wilson said this is the inaugural ceremony for the new platform and it is open to the public.

"It will be held in a professional manner following selected parts of the 'American Legion’s Ceremony of Retirement of Unserviceable and Old Colors,'” Wilson said. "The intent is to make this a well-used and respected venue for proper U.S. flag retirements in the future."

Wilson said Individuals or groups attending are welcome to bring one U.S. flag for retirement. T

According to Wilson, the Simsbury VFW Post has collected hundreds of flags through donation boxes in Simsbury and will retire those after the ceremony concludes.

"It may take up to two hours to properly retire all the flags collected," Wilson said.

The ceremony is expected to last approximately 30-45 minutes.

"This is a family-friendly patriotic event. Photography is encouraged," Wilson said.

If it rains, the ceremony will be rescheduled to a later date.

For more information about the proper disposal of U.S. flags, click on this link.