VFW helping retire flags with dignity

BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County flag box at the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 3622 is overflowing with retired flags.

Since the flag box was installed last November, more than 100 flags have been dropped off for disposal. The flag box, located in the VFW parking lot, is an easily accessible location to assist those traveling through the area to retire flags honorably.

The Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and VFW voted on the placement of the box. The military service organizations agreed to put the flag box in the parking lot so that cars could see it from U.S. 95. The box is able to accommodate both large and small flags.

When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning, Veteran Affairs officials said.

Jim Thompson maintains the box and empties it regularly and wants the community to know that the box is being used.

“People use our box because the only one that's closest to us is in Sandpoint. But it is over at the VFW hall and that's not on a main road,” Ron McIlnay said.

Before the box “in the past, people either just stuffed them in their garage or threw them in the garbage, Thompson and McIlnay said.

McIlnay said that in the past the VFW contacted the Boy Scout, Eagle Scout master to dispose of flags because it was a final requirement for Eagle Scouts.

McIlnay said since they have so many flags, they will soon be honorably disposing of the flags with the appropriate ceremony.

There are many veterans that live in Boundary County but very few are involved in these groups and membership and participation is very low, officials said. For more information on VFW, DAV or the American Legion meetings, activities or gatherings contact Ben Arpo at 208-214-5104.