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Veterans Service Office • 405 East Superior Street, Suite 130 • Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 725-5285 • www.stlouiscountymn.gov

Sherry Rodriguez
Director

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
July 28, 2017

CONTACT: Sherry Rodriguez, Veterans Service Officer

218-725-5287

St. Louis County offers new option for proper disposal of worn U.S. flags

When an American  flag is worn, tattered, ripped or soiled beyond repair, it is a sign of respect to properly dispose of it. The United States Flag Code dictates: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

As part of a new national campaign to support flag etiquette, St. Louis County has installed two flag retirement boxes to make it easier for people to dispose of a worn flag in a proper manner. Flag retirement boxes have been placed in the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth on the ground floor, and in the Hibbing Annex Building outside the Veterans Service Office.

The flag retirement boxes have been installed at no cost to the county, thanks to a partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Foundation and the National Sheriff's Association.

Flags should be folded respectfully before being placed in the box. The St. Louis County Veterans Service Office will take on the responsibility of disposing  of the worn flags.

"Showing respect for  the flag through proper disposal is something that matters to our office, and to the veterans we serve," said St. Louis County Veterans Service Officer Sherry Rodriguez, "so we are pleased to be able to offer this service to our citizens." 

"We are pleased to be able to partner in the provision of these flag retirement  boxes," said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. "Proper disposal of the U.S. flag goes hand in hand with the commitment we make to public service while simultaneously benefiting our residents."

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