Veterans group seeks info on dumped U.S. flags
United States flags are supposed to be flown with pride in honor of the nation, its people, its veterans and those serving in the armed forces and government agencies.
That is why members of a Las Vegas Veterans of Foreign Wars post want to know who dumped about a dozen large U.S. flags in late November on a paved lot. Post members want to make the public aware that veterans groups can retire flags properly.
Las Vegas police officers discovered the discarded flags behind a building at 6125 W. Tropicana Ave., near Decatur Boulevard, and called VFW Post 12119 to see if someone could help give the flags a proper retirement.
“They were all bundled up. We pulled them into the truck two at a time and took them to an incinerator in Laughlin,” said Gene Frederick, the post’s commander and a Vietnam War Navy veteran.
The flags were the size of garrison flags that are flown on military posts on special days. Garrison flags are 20 feet by 38 feet.
Police spokesman Jose Hernandez said American flags that are soiled or tattered should be properly retired as a matter of etiquette “especially when you have services and organizations that can take flags and dispose of them properly.”
The United States Flag Code of 1924 is a guide for civilians and citizen groups to honor the nation’s main emblem. Although it doesn’t include penalties for non-compliance, it provides guidance for civilians and organizations that are not required to adhere to regulations followed by federal executive departments.
Frederick said anyone with information about the pile of dumped flags can call him at 702-370-3262.
