Posted on July 13, 2018
HARTFORD – State Representative Anne Dauphinais (R-44) in conjunction with local VFW’s and American Legion, has recently concluded her first collection of worn, tattered, torn, or otherwise unusable U.S. Flags for retirement.
“I want to thank the VFW’s, American Legion, and Killingly Town Hall for their participation in this collection and for everyone who donated their unusable flag so it could be retired properly,” Rep. Dauphinais said. “These flags represent our great country, and as Americans we are extremely careful with how we dispose of them in order to ensure they are receiving the dignified retirement that they truly deserve.”
Collection boxes were placed at the VFW Post 4908 in Dayville, VFW Post 2650 in Danielson, VFW Post 5446 in Plainfield, American Legion Post 91 in Moosup, and Killingly Town Hall in order to allow residents an opportunity to drop off any flag whose condition was no longer serviceable. Approximately 75 flags were donated between the five collection locations.
Many of the flags with embroidered starts will be donated to AT&T Veterans Connecticut / New England chapter, a 501c3 charitable organization that through volunteer efforts carefully remove the stars during a STAR PARTY for a STARS For Our Troops project.
After their removal, individual stars are packaged with the quote “I am part of our American flag that has flown over the USA. I can no longer fly. The sun and winds caused me to become tattered and torn. Please carry me as a reminder that You are not forgotten.” According to Daniel P. McSparran, President Connecticut/New England Chapter, their organization locally distributes packages of 50 and approximately 700 individual stars per month to active duty military and veterans.
