The American Flag is the symbol of our country and silent representation of the freedom in which American citizens enjoy.

‘Old Glory’ is one that waves high and keeps the fires of patriotism alive in the hearts of many on a daily basis.

At 4 p.m. on June 14, American Legion Post 247 and local Boy Scouts of Dawson County will be hosting a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day at Veterans Memorial Park.

“Not only is it important to treat the flag with respect while it’s flying and when handling it, but it is equally as important to retire old flags in an honorable fashion,” said Jerry Grogan, commander of the local American Legion chapter.

Mike Kenney, member of the local American Legion Chapter, says the Federal Flag Code and public law 94-344 of July 7, 1976 states: “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

The public is invited to attend and to bring old, worn flags to the ceremony for a proper and dignified disposal.

In addition to the ceremony, a new project has been in the works that will give Dawson County citizens a place to bring their old flags they wish to retire.

Through the efforts of local boy scouts, The American Legion Post #247 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Dawson County Chapter 970, a former U.S. postal mailbox will be placed in front of the Dawsonville Municipal Complex for flag disposal.

Painted white with red trim and marked as a flag drop, the former mailbox will serve as a location for those who wish to dispose of old flags.

“Periodically, scout groups perform flag retirement ceremonies, and these flags will be of good use to them,” said Wayne Watkins, local Vietnam veteran and state president of the Vietnam Veterans Assocation.