Note: this story has been updated to reflect a 2nd flag donation box within Eagan as noted below and information how to donate a burial flag.
Eagan Community Center flag donation box
We know there are rules about proper flag etiquette; how to display and to replace them when tattered, etc. But what should you actually do with the flag when it is no longer suitable to be flown?
Flag Recycling box at Eagan Community Center
American Legion Post 594 has teamed up with the Eagan Community Center to collect flags from the public.
“Most people do not know what to do with a U.S. Flag when it becomes unserviceable. Often these flags end up being stored for years or are just thrown away,” says John Flynn, Commander, Eagan American Legion Post 594. “It will be (our) honor to be entrusted by residents to provide the stewardship of conducting a respectful and solemn U.S. Flag retirement.”
A designated flag collection slot is available at the main level guest service desk at the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway. Collected flags will be properly retired.
Post 594 adds 2nd Flag Donation Box in Eagan
Post 594 members stand by Sam’s Club employees when the flag box was donated.
On November 19, 2019, Eagan American Legion Post 594 presented a Flag Collection Box to Sam’s Club – Eagan at 3035 Denmark Ave, Eagan, MN 55121. This Sam’s Club has been very supportive to various Legion activities by donating cake, refreshments, and dinnerware to events such as recognizing High School seniors heading into the military. Sam’s has also supported some of the post’s Children and Youth programs as well the Auxiliary’s Poppy Day event. Post 594 and Sam’s Club have had a very meaningful relationship these past two years. The collection box was made by the residents of the MN Veterans Home in Hastings, in that facility’s Therapy Woodshop. Post Commander John Flynn and Color Guard members Jerry Skala, Frank Russomanno, and David Hammer presented this box to the associates and leadership team of Sam’s Club. The flags will be regularly collected by post members and accumulated for the annual, and honorable, flag retirement ceremony conducted on Flag Day.
Donating Burial Flags in National Cemeteries
Most of the Department of Veterans Affairs national cemeteries display an Avenue of Flags on patriotic holidays and during special events. The Avenues consist of burial flags donated by the families of deceased Veterans and provide a unique visible tribute to all of our Nation’s Veterans.
A Certificate of Appreciation is presented to the donor for providing their loved ones’ burial flag to a national cemetery.
Please contact the cemetery of your choice for information on how to donate a Veteran’s burial flag.