Earlier this week, Starks Family Funeral Homes announced that there have been drop boxes placed at each of its facilities to collect retired American flags. The business, which has been licensed by the state to cremate flags, decided to provide the drop boxes as a service to the community.

This service shows not only a great act of patriotism to our country, but a commitment to the community that the businesses serve.

By collecting the flags crematories are adding work to their already busy schedules in order to provide a dignified way of retiring American flags, and it’s completely free of charge.

Outside of organizations committed specifically to veterans and current military personnel, it is hard to find businesses willing to sacrifice their own time and services to the preservation of an American symbol.

It is important that Americans display the flag to show their patriotism — but equally important that they take down flags tattered and torn by severe weather, wind and age. Many people leave their flags flying because they are unsure of how to retire them, and assume retiring it improperly is more disrespectful than leaving a flag flying that is torn or faded.

Most military personnel would disagree.

Our country’s flag is representative of the values our nation stands for, and by offering an outlet to properly retire flags, the Starks family is providing southwest Michigan residents with a way to show respect for their country once flags are no longer in a condition in which they should be displayed.

Like the Starks family, there are a number of other organizations in Michiana that are certified to retire flags. If there is not a Starks Family funeral home in your area, we encourage you to call your local VFW or American Legion.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.