Flag Day Approaches: How To Dispose Of Old Flags In Rockland

NEW CITY, NY — If you have a worn, faded or tattered American flag, here's how you can dispose of it properly before Flag Day.

Rockland County Legislator Alden H. Wolfe is collecting them at his office in New City. It's a central location and especially convenient for people visiting county government offices, as well as county workers.

“Our flag is a symbol of America’s democracy and when the flag becomes worn, it should be properly retired,” Wolfe said. “Our collection effort has proven very popular as our residents and businesses seek a convenient drop-off site along with the assurance that the U.S. flags will be properly retired.”

All flags placed into the collection box will be turned over to the Fromm-Maxwell-Debaun American Legion Post 859 in Suffern. The post annually receives about 800 worn U.S. flags, which are properly retired in time for Flag Day on June 14.

The U.S. Flag Code states the correct use and display rules for all occasions and situations. Section 8K states that the flag, “when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

Flags may be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays through June 14 at the Legislature’s Offices, 11 New Hempstead Road in New City. Call 845-638-5100 for more information.