New U.S. Flag Retirement Boxes Available

For almost two years, the locations for the two receptacle boxes for the Retirement of U.S. Flags have been in short supply due to the ongoing issues, which included the COVID-19 Pandemic, the final build-out construction at the Veterans Community Park and confusion over the responsibility for the receptacle located in the parking lot of the Marco Island City Hall.

That has been remedied due to the collaboration between the City of Marco Island and American Legion Post 404. Three patriotically themed larger receptacle boxes have been placed strategically around the island. One in the parking lot of City Hall, one at Leigh Plummer Park on North Barfield Drive within the small parking area, and another off Park Avenue at the Veterans Community Park.

The coordination of the placement of the Official Receptacle Boxes for Retired U.S. American Flags was done by City Supervisor of Facilities Martha Montgomery in concert with Vice Commander at Large Joe Batte of the local American Legion Post. 

Post Commander Lee Rubenstein, along with Batte, City Manager Mike McNees, Montgomery and city workers placed the patriotic-themed boxes at those locations on Saturday, fulfilling a commitment by McNees to numerous citizens. 

Batte pointed out that a community effort made this possible with assistance from Affordable Landscaping, Art Seller Signage, Marco Welding, the American Legion Post 404, and City Staff.

The American Legion has taken over the responsibility for the final disposal of the flags left in the three retirement receptacles found throughout the island. 

The American Legion has produced a detailed procedure for retiring old American flags through burning that they approved at their 19th National Convention in September 1937. Essential elements include:

• Conducting the ceremony at night.

• Maintaining a reverent atmosphere.

• Ensuring that the flag is properly folded before burning.

• Only burning the flag in a large bonfire.

• Ensuring all parts of the flag are fully burned down to ashes.

• Offering prayers of thanks afterward.

Questions can be sent to the American Legion Post 404 by emailing them at information@marcoislandpost404.org, calling First Vice Commander John Apolzan at 317-432-7055, or emailing him at japple99@yahoo.com.