American Legion member Bob Messner shows Sherman Nelson, an Air Force veteran, the box where old American flags can be put to be respectfully destroyed.Photo and article by Frost McGahey

For those wishing to find a respectful, final resting place for their flags after the rigors of monsoon season, the American Legion can help. The Allingham-Golding American Legion Post 18 at 409 W. College Ave. has a drop off box in front of their building.

Legion member Bob Messner said, “We gather together the flags and take them to Terrazas Funeral home where they are incinerated.” With more American flags sprouting in Silver City, the Legion provides a service at the end of a flag’s life.

The only definitive answer of the proper method of disposing of a flag that is past its proud life is found in the US Flag Code. TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 1 > Sec. 8(k). It states:

“The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”