Legion will dispose of old flags

RUSSELLVILLE — As Flag Day (June 14) approaches, officials are encouraging residents with dilapidated U.S. flags to dispose of them safely and properly.

While there won’t be a special event in Franklin County dedicated to taking in flags in need of retirement, like neighboring counties have, those involved with the collection process will be hard at work over the next few days.

American Legion Post 64 Commander Grant Atkins said the disposal box stationed outside the Franklin County Courthouse routinely stays filled with old flags.

Atkins said disposing of flags in the proper way is both patriotic and simply the right thing to do.

“We constantly are out here cleaning out the box because it stays full pretty often,” Atkins said. “It keeps us busy, but it means people are doing what they’re supposed to with the flags.”