HARTFORD -State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) today said he was pleased with the turnout for the flag collection he sponsored at the North Branford Fire Department Company 1 on Route 80 last Sunday afternoon, where a number of citizens delivered faded, tattered or otherwise unserviceable American flags to be properly retired.”It was really great to see so many people come out to have their flags properly disposed of,” said Candelora. “I know that patriotic residents want to display the American flag properly and with pride, and I was happy to see so many people turn out to retire flags that are past their prime.”
According to the U.S. Flag Code, flags that are tattered, worn or otherwise unsuitable for display cannot be discarded, and must be retired in a respectful ceremony.
Over fifty American flags were collected Sunday afternoon by Candelora. The flags will be properly retired at the Avon headquarters of the First Company Governor’s Horse Guards, who are unit of the organized militia under the Connecticut National Guard.
Every resident who dropped off flags for disposal received a free high-quality 3′x 5′ nylon flag.
“We had so many people turn out to retire flags we ran out of new ones to hand out. We took names so everyone who showed up will get a new one if they didn’t on Sunday,” added Candelora.
Candelora indicated that due to the success of this event, he may sponsor another collection later in the summer.
