Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 103 will assist New Yorkers in disposing of worn and tattered American flags at a Memorial Day Watchfire event to be held Sunday, May 26 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. New York’s Office of General Services will collect flags at locations throughout the state through May 22.
“The American flag is our nation’s powerful symbol of freedom and justice and should be retired properly with respect and honor,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “This year, we are offering drop-off locations across the entire state, and I encourage all New Yorkers with a worn flag to visit one of these locations to ensure their flag is properly disposed of.”
“We appreciate New York State’s efforts to collect these flags to ensure they are properly retired with dignity at the Watchfire,” said Bill Martin, Watchfire Committee Chair. “For decades, we have done this event and it’s a privilege to do it — to honor our veterans and retire these flags properly.”
