When the harsh weather of southwest Michigan begins to take its toll on the bright colors of U.S. and state flags, residents may question what to do with them.
That is why Niles’ Kathleen Alton, a regent for the Rebecca Dewey Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, has rallied to collect communities’ worn flags and give them a proper retirement. Once collected, a ceremony properly disposing of the flags will be performed by a local American Legion post.
Community members with flags that are torn, faded or falling apart are asked to drop them off at a collection tub, which will be located at the Niles City Hall, 333 N. Second St. Another collection tub is located at the Three Oaks Library, 3 N. Elm St. in Three Oaks.
The flags will be collected through May 15.
Those who are interested can also attend the retirement ceremony. An official date for the ceremony will be announced at a later time.
Alton said she came up with the idea while volunteering with Friends of the Silverbrook Cemetery. Alton is one of many volunteers who helps maintain the cemetery.
Among the historic grave stones, Alton said she would often encounter flags torn by the wind and laying on the ground, or badly damaged flags that had lost their luster.
She started noticing flags in similar states while driving around Michiana, too.
The DAR chapter promotes citizenship, which Alton said is closely tied with a flag’s display.
Now, residents will have a chance to dispose of them properly, while also hopefully replacing them, Alton said.
“We need to keep fresh clean, bright flags to show our citizenship and pride in our country,” Alton said.
Additionally, Alton said she hopes for residents to learn some basics for maintaining their flags. A free booklet on flag code will be available to anyone wishing to retire their flag and find out how to get the most years out of a new one.
“I think the perhaps there is some misinformation and lack of information about how to care for flags,” Alton said. “We wanted to encourage people to take care of their [flags].”
Alton said at this time between 30 to 50 flags have already been collected.
For more information, contact Alton at kathyalton66@gmail.com or Deb Barkman at bark1956@gmail.com.