Mitch Bolinsky

NEWTOWN- In celebration of Flag Day, State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107), along with the Scouts of Troop 270, conducted a flag collection drive at the CH Booth Library for those that wished to turn in their worn and tattered flags to be retired at VFW Post 308 in Newtown, in a respectful ceremony.

While holding a large flag above the Booth Library lawn, the Scouts of Troop 270 demonstrated for onlookers and lawmakers alike, the proper procedure for folding an American flag.

“Collecting worn and retired American flags is not just about proper disposal — it’s about honoring the symbol of our nation and the values it stands for. Every flag has flown in service of freedom, and we owe it the dignity of a respectful retirement,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky.

“As a retired Army Lt. Colonel, it’s great partnering with the Scouts to see the respect these young people have for this symbol of our nation’s freedom and those who fought to uphold and protect that idea. I’m glad we were able to provide this flag retirement service to our community and look forward to another collection at this time next year,” said Rep. Martin Foncello.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of the Second Continental Congress passing a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation” by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

The U.S. Flag Code specifies that old American flags no longer in service must be properly disposed. The collected flags were given to the American Legion Post #141 for a proper retirement.