Legion post set up flag retirement box at police station

One of the time-honored traditions of patriotic American citizens is retiring a worn American flag in an honorable and respectful manner.

Robert Boyd Stewart American Legion Post 11 of Lovell holds an annual flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, carefully burning worn flags given to American Legion members.

And now Post 11 is making it even easier for citizens to retire their flags in the form of a flag retirement box at the Lovell Police Department, according to post chaplain Jim Thomas.

“People can take their flags that are old and decrepit to the police department, and it’s accessible all the time,” Thomas said, noting that the flag retirement box is just inside the building in the conference room to the right after entering the building.

“We’ll check it weekly and see how frequently it’s used,” Thomas said. “It’s kind of a leadup to our Flag Day ceremony to get people thinking about their flags and the condition they’re in. Technically, the only flag that can be displayed tattered is at the Smithsonian (the large flag that flew above Fort McHenry as the fort was bombarded on September 13, 1914, during the War of 1812, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“Our goal as an American Legion post for 2025 is to help the public have increased awareness of the flag and what it means, then branch into the Constitution,” Thomas said.

He noted that the post has become active in promoting the American Legion oratorical contest with students speaking about the Constitution. Last year, then Lovell High School senior Riley Laffin advanced through the local, district, area and state contests to qualify for the national contest.

Post 11 hopes to increase knowledge of the Constitution in the general public in 2025, leading up to Constitution Day on September 17, Thomas said.

“We’re adding Constitution Day to our Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day programs,” he said.

The local Legion post is also offering American flags for sale, Thomas said, noting that the flags are made in the USA and relatively inexpensive.

Flags range in price from $18.99 plus shipping for 3 by 5-foot flag to $44.99 for a 5 by 8-foot flag. For more information or to place an order, contact Post 11 at WyPost11@gmail.com or 307-548-2447.