The city of Starke, partnering with Funtastic Fire Brigade and Bradford high School’s JROTC program, were able to collect nearly five dozen flags as part of a Flag Day (June 14) event before storms rolled in.
Organizers said the event, held at Charles J. Schaefer Sr. Veterans Memorial Park, brought a steady stream of people bringing tattered and torn flags to be properly retired. They included American flags and flags from the different branches of the U.S. military. In total, 58 flags were presented.
Everyone bringing flags received new flags in return, courtesy of Bryan’s Ace Hardware of Starke.
“I was very pleased to see such a great turnout,” event organizer Michael Heeder said. “Having the ROTC out to help was a big help, and I am honored to have been able to help make this happen in time for the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend.”
An actual flag retirement ceremony was planned at sunset, in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code, but evening storms canceled the program. Starke’s American Legion Post 56 will handle the proper disposal of the flags by fire.
Another flag collection is planned for Veterans Day.
