Neighbor News
Goodwill to serve as donation location for unserviceable U.S. flags
Flags collected will have ceremonial retirement during community-wide Flag Day event
In advance of Flag Day, Goodwill Manasota has volunteered to serve as a drop-off location for U.S. flags that have become too worn or damaged to display. Bins will be available at all retail stores and attended donation centers in Sarasota and Manatee counties for drop-off. One of these flags will be ceremonially retired during the Sunday, June 14 community-wide event, “Celebrating the Stars and Stripes,” at Patriot Plaza, while the rest will be retired by veteran units located in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
In 2013, the Military Officers Association of Sarasota (MOAS) and the Sarasota County School District launched the “American Flag Protocol Initiative,” which aims to educate community members about the origin, history and meaning of the American Flag, the importance of patriotism and respect for the flag, and the proper protocols for the flag’s display and retirement. One component of the Initiative is to conduct an annual flag collection and retirement ceremony for old and/or damaged flags. Goodwill is one of 32 veteran organizations collecting flags at locations throughout the community.
“We are so grateful that Goodwill has stepped forward as a collection site for the flags,” said MOAS board member LTC (Ret) Tom Piazze. “Goodwill has shown its strong commitment to the veterans of this community time and time again; showing honor to our Stars and Stripes is just another example. Having Goodwill as a drop-off site for unserviceable flags makes it that much more convenient for community members to properly retire their American flags in a way that befits our national emblem.”
“Our country’s flag isn’t just a decorative item – particularly for the veterans we serve, it is truly symbolic of the sacrifices they have made for our freedom and the pride they feel in serving our country,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “What better way to honor Flag Day than to help ensure that these flags are treated with the proper respect and retired properly.”
“Celebrating the Stars and Stripes,” which is being presented by the Military Officers Association of Sarasota (MOAS) and the POPS Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota, takes place from 6:00-7:30pm at Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery. The event is free and open to the public; guests are encouraged to bring a cushion or lawn chair. For more information, go to starsandstripescelebration.com.
PHOTO ID: Community members can drop off old, worn flags in bins at all Goodwill retail stores and attended donation centers in Sarasota and Manatee counties
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
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