Steve Tam, a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 649, holds an old, faded, tattered American flag .
The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 649 invites Clermont County citizens to the second annual Flag Retirement Ceremony, set for 1 p.m. Sunday, June 10 at the Union Township Civic Center, located at 4350 Aicholtz Road.

“Last year we disposed of around 3,000 American flags that were too worn and tattered to be displayed,” said VVA Board member Steve Tam. “The ceremony involves cutting the flags into strips, burning the pieces, and then burying the ashes in an air tight container. It is a very respectful ceremony.”

Tam said he is saddened when he sees a tattered American flag flying at a home or business. “This is a symbol of our nation and should be respected,” he said. Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette, including the requirement that when a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

While all of the collected flags will not be burned at the ceremony on June 10, Tam said all will be handled with proper dignity and respect.

There are a number of collection sites that have been set-up across Clermont County to accept worn flags from homes, schools, and businesses. The collection sites are listed on the website www.vva649.org; click on upcoming events. More information about the collection sites is also available by calling (513) 797-4693.