Earlier this year, Rick’s Custom Fencing and Decking was proud to host the Great American Flag Swap, where the public could bring in an old flag and exchange it for a brand new one. This event, which our Tri-Cities store organized in partnership with Apple Valley News Now, was held on May 23rd and June 27th, prior to Memorial Day and the 4th of July. It was the perfect time to receive a fresh new flag to honor our country and those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Correct disposal of an American flag is an involved process. One can’t simply throw away or recycle an old flag. Proper etiquette dictates that a brief ceremony is held over a folded flag, which is then completely burned and the ashes buried. To ensure that the flags we collected were property disposed of, we partnered with the Young Marines in Kennewick. These youth learned about the flag disposal process so all those who donated could be confident that it would be done the right way. Learn more about the American flag!
Both events were inundated with donations. Most people brought in multiple flags because they had been holding on to them for years, not knowing what to do with them. Someone even said they had been holding on to their flags for over 15 years!
Demand was so high that during the first event, we handed out all of the 150 flags that had been allotted by our partners at Apple Valley News Now for both events! Rick’s purchased and ordered an additional 100 flags for the second event. Even so, when we still ran out of flags, the community was so appreciative that they left their old flags behind without receiving a new one. Everyone who came was provided with a lunch of burgers, hot dogs, chips, summertime fruit, and patriotic-themed treats.
The response from every person who came was overwhelmingly positive. We had the pleasure to meet many patriotic members of the community for the first time, including veterans.
What better way to help the community prepare for Memorial Day and Independence Day festivities than to help them exchange their old, worn-out flags for brand new ones!
Where can you take your old flag if you missed our events? Various organizations, including American Legions, VFWs, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, often collect flags for proper disposal.
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