Do you have an old American flag in poor shape, but don’t know what to do with it? Take it to American Legion’s annual Flag Retirement Ceremony.

The ceremony will be taking place this coming Thursday, Aug. 15. A potluck dinner will be provided by American Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary from 5 to 6 p.m. The retirement ceremony begins at 6 p.m. 

The event will be held at Rock Island State Park picnic area No. 2. An estimated 3,000 flags are retired each year.

According to American Legion Post 173 Commander Kevin Killea, there will be markers set up to help guide members of the community to their destination. He encourages everyone to attend.

“We will conduct the retirement ceremony and properly burn the old flags that we have collected from the drop-off boxes,” said Killea. “It’s a solemn thing retiring our nation’s flag with honor. Anyone can attend and we will also accept your old flags at that time. Come join us and help promote civic responsibility in our community.”

A flag drop-off box is located in front of Warren County Administrative Offices on Locust Street. Flags placed there will be collected by American Legion members.