Clerk's Office and Veterans Memorial Hall to hold Flag Day Retirement and Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Danielle Grindle

June 3, 2024

Phone: (815) 319-4233

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. – In observance of Flag Day on June 14, the Winnebago County Clerk's Office in partnership with Veterans Memorial Hall will be accepting worn and dilapidated flags for proper retirement, beginning Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, 2024. Flags will be accepted daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the County Clerk's office, 404 Elm Street, Room 104 or from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum, 211 N. Main Street, Rockford, Illinois.

A day honoring the national American flag, Flag Day commemorates the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. While Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, the week of June 14 is designated as "National Flag Week". Every year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation urging citizens to fly the American flag for the duration of that week.

"Following the observance of Memorial Day, some families may have realized their flag is no longer presentable for display," said Scott Lewandowski, Director of Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum. "We wanted to coordinate with the Clerk's Office to offer two convenient locations people can visit downtown and drop off their old flags to dispose of them in the proper manner."

Flags should never be thrown away in the garbage, and flags made from nylon or polyester should never be burned. A safer alternative to burning the flag is to donate it to your local government to ensure proper disposal. Anyone dropping off a flag for retirement, can also receive a free 8" x 12" USA stick flag, while supplies last.

"The American flag is a patriotic and important symbol of the United States and should be treated with the utmost respect," said County Clerk Lori Gummow. "If an American flag can no longer appropriately serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified fashion. We hope the community takes advantage of this opportunity ahead of the upcoming Flag Day holiday."

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